New Delhi, March 12 (IANS). According to Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi, the country’s installed solar power capacity has now reached about 136 gigawatts, which is almost half of India’s renewable energy capacity. He said this development is testament to what can be achieved with continued policy commitment and innovation.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said that the growing momentum towards solar energy globally and the role of the International Solar Alliance are important in accelerating the clean energy transition across the world.
Speaking at the ISA Foundation Day function, the Minister said that this alliance reflects the shared vision and power of global partnership, which helps promote sustainable development through solar energy.
“Over the past decade, the International Solar Alliance has helped turn the promise of solar energy into real, life-changing impact around the world. Where solar energy is needed most, ISA has played a critical role in accelerating the global energy transition in emerging and developing economies, while bringing clean, reliable electricity to the communities that need it most,” he said.
He explained that what started as a powerful vision has today transformed into a coalition of more than 120 countries, working together to accelerate the global solar transition.
He also highlighted key initiatives that are helping in taking the benefits of solar energy directly to the people. Like PM Suryaghar: Free Electricity Scheme is enabling millions of households to generate their own clean electricity and PM-KUSUM is empowering farmers through solar-powered irrigation systems.
He said it took about twenty-five years to install the first 1,000 gigawatts of solar capacity in the world while the next 1,000 gigawatts are likely to be installed relatively quickly, signaling a new era in the global energy transition.
He said the epicenter of the clean energy transition is gradually shifting to the Global South, where growing energy demand and abundant solar resources present an unprecedented opportunity to rapidly bypass traditional energy pathways.
In this context, he said that ISA has emerged as a unique platform that brings together governments, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector to promote the expansion of solar energy and open new opportunities for sustainable development.
Ashish Khanna, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, said, “Our members are true custodians of ISA’s progress in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and other regions. Their belief, leadership and ambition define every achievement. I am also grateful to our 77 partner organizations and the growing community of young solar professionals trained at IIT Delhi who drive this mission forward every day.”
This alliance was established in 2015 by India and France under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi during the COP-21 climate conference.
–IANS
NA/PM