India and France Lead International Solar Alliance Presidency Until 2026 :In a significant development for global renewable energy efforts, India and France have been re-elected as President and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). During the opening session of the 7th ISA Assembly held in New Delhi, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, confirmed that India would hold the presidency until 2026.
ISA Assembly 2024 Highlights: Uniting for a Solar-Powered Future
India’s position as ISA President remained uncontested, while France secured the co-presidency after a contest with Grenada. Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized that ISA is playing a pivotal role in promoting solar energy worldwide, saying, “Solar energy, once just a vision, is now a powerful reality, leading the world towards a cleaner and sustainable path. ISA is at the forefront of mobilizing resources and supporting solar projects, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).”
Joshi noted that the ISA has successfully completed 21 out of 27 demonstration projects, underscoring its commitment to expanding solar infrastructure across the globe.
Ashish Khanna Named New Director General of ISA
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In another important development, Ashish Khanna, a renowned World Bank energy specialist, has been appointed as the next Director General of ISA. With over 26 years of experience in the energy sector across 15+ developing countries in South Asia, West Asia, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, Khanna brings substantial expertise in both public and private sector energy initiatives.
Currently leading the World Bank’s West and Central Africa program, Khanna is spearheading Mission 300, an ambitious project aimed at delivering energy access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. Khanna will officially take charge of his new role in March 2025 and is committed to fostering international collaborations and strengthening existing partnerships within ISA.
Ajay Mathur’s Legacy: Strengthening ISA’s Global Role
Ajay Mathur, who has served as ISA’s Director General since 2021, will conclude his term on March 14, 2025. During his tenure, Mathur has been instrumental in establishing ISA as a global leader in solar energy deployment, driving international cooperation and partnerships.
“Our collective presence at this assembly underscores our shared vision—to find innovative solutions, share expertise, and fortify partnerships for a new era of solar transformation,” said Mathur. “The ISA assembly has become a platform to propel global energy transition through solar energy solutions.”
Key Initiatives for 2025: ISA’s Roadmap for Solar Transformation
At this year’s assembly, officials are set to discuss the ISA’s annual budget, work plans, and priority projects for the upcoming year. The agenda includes updates on the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, which provides grants covering 10-35% of solar project costs to support solar initiatives in LDCs and SIDS. These grants aim to lower entry barriers and enhance solar adoption in the most vulnerable regions, with projects selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
ISA’s Impact on Global Solar Energy Expansion
ISA now comprises 120 member countries committed to advancing solar energy as a sustainable energy source. Since its inception, ISA has mobilized funds and resources, facilitated numerous projects, and provided technical assistance to boost solar energy deployment, particularly in regions with limited access to renewable energy infrastructure.
As India and France continue their leadership, ISA’s mission to make solar energy accessible and affordable remains stronger than ever. With Ashish Khanna’s appointment, ISA looks forward to building on its achievements and fostering new partnerships to accelerate the global shift towards renewable energy.
