1st International Solar Alliance Summit: PM shares 10 action points on solar energy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, along with several heads of States and governments, symbolically launch International Solar Alliance; PM shares 10 action points on solar energy; says easy accessibility of better and cheaper solar technology has to be ensured.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi received the heads of the various countries who are participating in the summit. In the association of 121 countries, 61 countries signed and 32 ratified the ISA Framework Agreement which is a reflection of common desire to significantly augment harnessing of solar energy, make joint efforts towards development and mobilize investment in the solar sector.

Today’s summit focus is on various projects being prepared by different countries in areas including rural electrification, off grid solar power, water supply and irrigation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared 10 action points on solar energy while addressing the first conference of the International Solar Alliance in New Delhi. He said easy accessibility of better and cheaper solar technology has to be ensured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the need to identify various ways in which solar energy can be best used for the welfare of children and society. Addressing the first conference of the International Solar Alliance, PM Modi said, the importance of solar energy should be understood not only in India, but across the globe and if the world connects solar energy with other technology, then the result would be better.

Describing the importance of the sun in Indian philosophy, he said Veda’s consider the sun as the soul of the world, it has been considered as a life nurturer. Today, for combating climate change, we need to look at this ancient idea to find a way.

The Prime Minister said that India is making fast progress in the field of renewable energy and has set a target of producing 175 GW energy by year 2022 of which 100 GW will be solar energy.

Referring to the Atal Jyoti Yojana, the Prime Minister said that India is installing solar based street lights under the scheme. He said that with the usage of LED bulbs in India about 2 Billion dollars have been saved.

The Prime Minister called upon developed countries to make available solar technologies. He said that the use of solar energy should be made for other purposes as well than just using it for light. Prime Minister Modi said that in order to boost and promote solar energy developing technologies, bringing down the prices and innovation are the most important things that need to be done.

Addressing the inaugural session of the International Solar Alliance, French President Emmanuel Macron said that reducing the cost of solar energy is very important in order to achieve the goals of the alliance. Calling for the need to train people across the member countries of the alliance, Macron said that France will transfer technology and innovation to facilitate solar research.

The French President said to achieve one thousand Billion dollar fund target by 2030 the alliance needs private investors. He said that the Alliance will provide a favourable framework and improve regulations to encourage such investments. He called upon the member countries play their part in the process. President Macron announced that France will allocate additional 700 million Euros by 2022 as its commitment to the solar energy.

Emmanuel Macron hailed India for the work it is doing in the field of solar energy saying that the renewable capacity has double within a span of two years. He called upon other countries to do their bit. He also took a jibe at those leaving the Paris agreement saying there is only one planet to live and that must be protected. Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his initiative and efforts to start International Solar Alliance, he said it a dream has realised today.

Speaking at the plenary session of International Solar Alliance Summit, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said that ISA is not only a testament to India’s unwavering faith in multi-lateralism but is also a commitment to a better, sustainable and greener future.

President Ram Nath Kovind yesterday hosted a banquet in honour of the French President Emmanuel Macron, and Heads of State and Government attending the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Welcoming Presidents, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers from over 45 countries as well as Heads of International Organisations, the President thanked them for their support for the International Solar Alliance.