Global Solar Cooperation Reaches New Heights
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) continues to expand its global reach as several new countries join the coalition dedicated to accelerating solar energy deployment worldwide. This expansion represents a significant milestone in the global transition toward renewable energy sources.
Growing Membership and Global Impact
Founded in 2015 through a joint initiative by India and France, the ISA has grown from its original focus on sunshine countries between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn to include nations from across the globe. The alliance now boasts 107 member countries and 17 signatory nations, making it one of the largest intergovernmental organizations focused on renewable energy.
Recent additions to the alliance include Brazil, which became a full member in late 2022, and Indonesia, which joined in 2024. These strategic expansions bring significant solar potential and economic weight to the organization.
Brazil's Strategic Entry
Brazil's membership marks a particularly important development for the solar energy landscape. As the largest economy in Latin America with abundant solar resources, Brazil's participation strengthens the alliance's presence in the Western Hemisphere. According to Rodrigo Sauaia, CEO of ABSOLAR, Brazil's solar energy association, "Joining ISA opens the doors for Brazil to benefit from multilateral initiatives in several areas such as funding, incentive packages, public policies, and research and development."
Despite its vast potential, Brazil currently ranks only 13th globally in installed solar capacity. The country aims to leverage ISA membership to accelerate solar PV expansion and incorporate best practices from other member nations.
Indonesia's Renewable Energy Commitment
Indonesia's accession to the ISA demonstrates its commitment to increasing renewable energy share in its national energy mix. As the world's fourth most populous country and an archipelago nation with significant solar potential, Indonesia represents a crucial market for solar energy development in Southeast Asia.
ISA's Ambitious Goals
The alliance operates under its 'Towards 1000' strategy, which aims to mobilize USD 1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030. This ambitious plan seeks to deliver energy access to 1,000 million people using clean energy solutions and result in the installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity. These efforts would help mitigate global solar emissions by approximately 1,000 million tons of CO2 annually.
The ISA takes a programmatic approach with nine comprehensive programs focusing on distinct applications that could help scale deployment of solar energy solutions. Activities under these programs concentrate on four priority areas: Analytics & Advocacy, Capacity Building, Programmatic Support, and readiness and enabling activities.
Financial Infrastructure and Support
The alliance has established several financial mechanisms to support its mission, including the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). These institutions serve as alternatives to traditional financial organizations like the World Bank and IMF, offering more flexible funding options for solar projects in developing countries.
To date, the NDB has approved more than $32 billion for ninety-six projects since operations began in 2016, focusing on clean energy, transportation, sanitation, and social development.
Regional Engagement and Future Outlook
The ISA has been actively engaging with regional committees, with recent meetings held for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions. These regional engagements help tailor solar energy solutions to specific geographical and economic contexts.
Looking ahead, the Eighth Session of the ISA Assembly is scheduled for October 2025 in New Delhi, where further expansion and strategic initiatives will likely be discussed. The continued growth of the alliance demonstrates the increasing global recognition of solar energy's critical role in addressing climate change and ensuring energy security.
As more countries join this collaborative effort, the International Solar Alliance strengthens its position as a key driver in the global transition to sustainable energy, bringing nations together to harness the power of the sun for a cleaner, more sustainable future.