India's Solar Dream

In November 2015, amidst the fervent discussions of the Paris Climate Conference, a powerful vision was born. India and France joined hands to launch the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a beacon of hope for a world grappling with climate change. This alliance of “sunshine states” aimed to unite nations blessed with abundant solar resources, pledging to usher in a renewable revolution. Yet, as the ISA nears its 10th anniversary, the glow of this vision seems to dim under the weight of unmet promises and daunting challenges.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the concept of "One World, One Sun, One Grid" (OSOWOG), it was a rallying cry for unity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Today, the ISA’s expansive membership 120 countries from Fiji to France testifies to its broad appeal. But beneath this global coalition lies a harsh reality: progress has been slow, and the ISA’s lofty ambitions remain largely aspirational.

A Vision Stalled

The ISA set out to mobilize $1 trillion in investments, deploy 1,000 GW of solar energy, and provide clean energy access to 1 billion people by 2030. It was never meant to develop projects directly but to act as an enabler, helping nations overcome hurdles in finance, technology, and policy. However, nearly a decade later, the results tell a sobering story.

Not a single ISA-backed solar project has gone live. While consultancy assignments for 6.6 GW of solar capacity have been entrusted to India’s NTPC across Africa and Latin America, only a 60 MW plant in Cuba is set to commence soon. Such progress is a shadow of the alliance’s original aspirations. ISA’s $100 million Global Solar Facility, aimed at unlocking capital in Africa, offers promise but remains in nascent stages. As Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General of ISA, remarked, “the heavy lifting has been done,” but momentum still lags.

The Weight of Challenges

The global solar market is surging. Investments have jumped from $144 billion in 2018 to an anticipated $500 billion by the end of 2024, with the world’s solar capacity expected to reach 2 terawatts. Yet, the ISA’s core audience developing nations has seen little benefit. Sub-Saharan Africa, despite its immense solar potential, received only 15% of global renewable energy investments between 2015 and 2021. Meanwhile, Europe and North America enjoyed investments 41 and 57 times higher, respectively.

In these underserved regions, the barriers are stark. Lack of local developers, policy instability, and nascent infrastructure deter foreign investors. For these nations, solar energy is not just about panels and sunlight; it’s about survival reliable electricity for health centers, irrigation for farmers, and cold storage for food security. Yet, global financial flows continue to bypass these urgent needs.

India’s Renewed Push

Amidst this stagnation, India remains steadfast in its leadership. Recently re-elected as ISA President, India has infused new vigor into the alliance. The country’s renewable journey is itself a story of resilience and ambition. With over 90 GW of installed solar capacity and plans for 50 solar parks totaling 37.5 GW, India’s commitment to a 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030 underscores its role as a global green energy leader.

India’s initiatives, such as the PM-KUSUM scheme, demonstrate how solar energy can transform rural livelihoods. By enabling farmers to generate solar power for irrigation and sell surplus energy, these programs create a ripple effect of sustainable development. Similarly, the launch of the Solar Data Portal and the SolarX Startup Challenge highlights ISA’s commitment to innovation and transparency.

Learning from Giants

India’s ambitions with ISA also position it as a counterweight to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While BRI’s infrastructure projects dominate headlines, ISA’s OSOWOG offers a more inclusive vision. Yet, without significant financial mobilization and demonstrated results, ISA risks falling short of its promise to the Global South.

China’s strategic investments, often criticized for their motives, nonetheless deliver tangible results. ISA must learn from this playbook, focusing on scalable, replicable projects and fostering stronger partnerships with multilateral institutions and private players.

A Call to Action

The stakes have never been higher. The world stands at a critical juncture where climate action is not optional but imperative. ISA’s founding principles equity, sustainability, and cooperation offer a blueprint for transformative change. But visions must be matched with action.

The alliance must prioritize tangible outcomes: operational projects, empowered local developers, and policies that attract global investments to underserved regions. Programs like the Global Solar Facility and capacity-building initiatives must be fast-tracked, ensuring that ISA’s footprint extends beyond conferences and assemblies.

The Road Ahead

The journey of the International Solar Alliance mirrors the sun’s path rising with hope, yet often obscured by clouds. As ISA approaches its second decade, it must rekindle the spark of its founding vision. This is not merely about solar energy; it’s about lighting up lives, driving development, and creating a legacy of sustainability.

The next few years will determine ISA’s place in history. Will it remain a symbol of unfulfilled promise, or will it shine as a beacon of what global cooperation can achieve? The sun waits for no one, and neither should we. It’s time to turn this solar dream into reality one project, one nation, and one sunlit future at a time