8th Session of the International Solar Alliance(ISA) | 30 Oct 2025

Source: PIB

Why in News? 

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 8th Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly in New Delhi, urging the Global South to lead an inclusive solar revolution and reaffirming India’s commitment to a solar-powered world.

What are the Key Highlights of the 8th Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly?

• SUNRISE Network: ISA launched the SUNRISE (Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation & Stakeholder Engagement) initiative to promote a circular economy in the solar sector. 
  • It focuses on recycling, innovation, and creating green jobs through sustainable solar waste management.
• One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG): A dedicated OSOWOG programme was introduced to build regional solar interconnections across continents. 
  • The plan identifies key transmission links between Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, with feasibility studies to be conducted in the next 2–3 years.
• SIDS Solar Procurement Platform: Sixteen Small Island Developing States (SIDS) signed an MoU with ISA and the World Bank to collaborate on joint solar procurement, digital integration, and capacity building for stronger energy resilience.
• Global Capability Centre and ISA Academy: ISA announced the Global Capability Centre in India as a “Silicon Valley for Solar,” connecting global centres of excellence. 
  • The ISA Academy, an AI-based e-learning platform, will offer training and resources to strengthen global solar skills and knowledge.

ISA Reports on Global Solar Trends

• The Assembly launched Five ISA Reports: Ease of Doing Solar 2025, Solar PV Skills and Jobs in Africa, Solar Compass, Global Floating Solar Framework, and Global Solar Trends & Outlook 2025, highlighting key global solar trends.
• Ease of Doing Solar 2025: Global energy transition investments in 2024 reached USD 2,083 billion. ISA Member Countries contributed USD 861.2 billion, showing the Global South’s growing leadership.
  • Solar power drew USD 521 billion, making it the leading force in renewable investments.
• Global Solar Trends & Outlook 2025: Confirms that solar is now the dominant force driving clean energy growth worldwide.
• Solar Compass: Integrated PV Applications: Highlights opportunities in Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), as 70% of future buildings in developing countries are yet to be built.
  • ISA aims to lower BIPV costs to rooftop solar levels and promote solar-ready housing policies across the Global South.

What is the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

• Origin and Membership: The ISA was launched in 2015 by India and France during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris.  It is the first international intergovernmental organisation headquartered in India.
  • It currently has 125 Member and Signatory Countries, working together to expand access to clean, affordable, and reliable solar energy worldwide.
• Core Mission: ISA aims to enhance global energy access and security by promoting solar power as a key driver of the world’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
• Strategic Pillars:
  • Catalytic Finance Hub: It aims to mobilise USD 1 trillion in investments by 2030.
  • Global Capability Centre & Digitisation: Promotes innovation, capacity building, and digital platforms across Member Countries.
  • Regional & Country-Level Engagement: Drives tailored interventions through partnerships and local cooperation.
  • Technology Roadmap & Policy: Supports deployment of emerging solar technologies through practical policies and knowledge resources.
• Significance: ISA seeks to transform lives by bringing clean, reliable, and affordable energy to communities, promoting sustainable growth and improving quality of life globally.

How is India Leading the Solar Energy Transition?

• Record Renewable Energy Achievements: As per IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics 2025, India ranks 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, 4th in Wind Power, and 3rd in Solar Power capacity.
  • Solar capacity has increased more than 39 times, from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 110.9 GW in 2025, including a record 23.83 GW added in 2024–25 alone.
  • India achieved 50% of its installed capacity from non-fossil sources five years ahead of its 2030 target, reflecting strong policy and institutional commitment.
• Manufacturing Boost (2014 to March 2025): Solar PV module capacity surged from 2.3 GW to 88 GW, a 38-fold increase. 
  • Solar PV cell capacity grew from 1.2 GW to 25 GW, a 21-fold increase.
• Flagship Initiatives:
  • National Solar Mission : Part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, it aims to establish India as a global leader in solar energy.
  • PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Promotes rooftop solar adoption for households.
  • PM-KUSUM Scheme: Supports farmers in installing solar pumps and grid-connected systems.
  • Solar Parks Scheme: Enables large-scale solar project development across states.
  • Production Linked incentive (PLI) for Solar Manufacturing: Boosts domestic production of high-efficiency solar modules.
  • India’s initiatives like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana  and PM-KUSUM are now being replicated across Africa and SIDS through ISA partnerships.
• Sustainable and People-Centric Approach: India’s renewable journey balances growth with ecological preservation, focusing on technology sharing and inclusive development. 
  • Progress is measured not just in megawatts, but in lives improved and communities empowered.

What are the Challenges and Opportunities for India’s Solar  Energy Development?

Conclusion

Guided by the founding vision of “One World, One Sun, One Grid,” India reaffirmed its commitment to ISA’s leadership in advancing global solar cooperation, sustainable innovation, and inclusive energy access.