International Solar Alliance sign of India's leadership on global stage, say experts

Washington: The launch of an unprecedented international solar alliance in Paris on the sidelines of the climate change summit shows India’s leadership in clean energy, environmental experts in Washington, DC have said. “This unprecedented international solar collaboration sets an encouraging tone as country representatives gather today to reach a new global climate agreement. India’s leading role in forming an International Solar Alliance anchors its own climate commitment to ramp up renewable energy,” said Rhea Suh, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council. The alliance, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with French President Francois Hollande, also has the potential to propel international solar markets forward while fighting climate change, improving global health and boosting economies, Suh said. [caption id=“attachment_2526378” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Narendra Modi meets French President Francois Hollande. File photo AFP[/caption] Launching the alliance in Paris, Modi and Hollande invited over 100 solar-rich countries to facilitate widespread implementation of solar projects and infrastructure. “This new alliance is a sign of India’s leadership on the global stage. The international alliance brings together developing and developed countries to expand energy access, accelerate solar power deployment, and stimulate economic development. Backed by $1 tn in investment, the alliance should drive down the costs of solar power, making it affordable for a growing number of communities,” said Manish Bapna, managing director World Resources Institute. Modi, who spearheaded this partnership with leaders of several African countries, continues to show strong commitment to expand renewable energy in India. The alliance will support India in building 100 gigawatts of solar energy by 2022, he said. “With the US and China joining India, along with over 100 other nations, to support this solar alliance on the first day of the UN climate negotiations, the majority of greenhouse gas emitters are demonstrating tremendous leadership to develop sustainably while curbing climate change,” said Jing Jing Qian, China Programme Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council. Anjali Jaiswal, India Initiative Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council said coupled with its comprehensive solar programme aiming to reach 100 gigawatts by 2022, India has once again positioned itself as a global leader in clean energy. “Developing affordable solar technologies and attracting the considerable investment required to finance the envisioned solar transition are critical steps to support India and other countries to achieve their ambitious clean energy goals set as part of the Paris negotiations,” she said. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water said, “India has emerged as the natural leader for this alliance, with its ambitious targets to install 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, and non-fossil fuel electricity generating systems accounting for 40 per cent of the cumulative installed capacity by 2030.” PTI