India and ISA Partner for Solar Projects in Indo-Pacific Nations

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has entered into a Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to implement solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles, the MEA announced in an official statement.

Under the PIA, India will provide USD 2 million in financial assistance for solar energy initiatives in these Indo-Pacific nations, with the ISA serving as the Project Implementing Agency. This partnership seeks to address energy-related challenges, including unreliable electricity supply for essential services like healthcare and agriculture in remote regions where grid power or solar mini-grids are not yet available.

The initiative aligns with the Wilmington Declaration, issued during the Quad Leaders' Summit in the United States on September 21. The declaration emphasised collaboration among Quad nations to catalyse clean energy investments in partner countries. India's solar projects in these nations are expected to support the Quad’s goal of fostering a clean energy economy while addressing climate change challenges.

According to the MEA, solar energy projects under consideration include solar-powered cold storage units, solarisation of healthcare facilities, and solar water pumping systems for irrigation. These projects aim to enhance energy access, improve electricity reliability, and generate employment, significantly benefiting the communities involved.

The statement further highlighted an ISA study that emphasised the energy challenges faced by these nations, including the perishability of agricultural products due to inadequate cold storage and unreliable electricity in healthcare centers. By implementing solar solutions, the initiative seeks to overcome these hurdles while promoting sustainable economic development.

The MEA emphasised that these projects would play a critical role in addressing the unequal access to reliable energy and fostering social and economic development. "Solar energy is a viable solution to help these countries address climate change-related challenges," the statement noted.

The clean energy investments also reflect India's broader commitment to supporting the Quad’s vision of addressing climate change and promoting global sustainability. This initiative underscores the shared goals of the Quad nations to advance renewable energy solutions for the benefit of people, the planet, and a prosperous future.