Why in the News?

India has been re-elected as the President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during the seventh ISA Assembly, affirming its leading role in global solar energy efforts. Held in New Delhi, this session emphasized agrivoltaic farming, energy access and sustainability, with participation from 120 nations. Delegates highlighted India's innovation in combining solar energy generation with agriculture.

Agrivoltaic Farming

• It is an innovative approach combining agriculture with solar energy production.
• In this method, solar panels are installed above crops, allowing land to be used for both farming and energy generation.
• It helps maximize land productivity, provides shade for certain crops and reduces soil moisture loss.
• This system supports sustainable energy transition while enhancing agricultural resilience and productivity, especially in regions with limited arable land.

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• Established: 2015
• Headquarters: Gurugram
• Director general: Ashish Khanna
• It is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies.
• Its basic motive is to facilitate energy access, ensure energy security and drive energy transition in its member countries.
• It was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilize efforts against climate change through deployment of solar energy solutions.
• It currently includes over 120 members and signatory countries.
• Important Projects
  • One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)
  • ISA Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (ISTAR C)
  • Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Scheme