India’s solar energy capacity has increased 32-fold in the last 10 years, and this speed and scale will help the country achieve 500 gigaatt non-fossil capacity by 2030. This was stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the two-day first International Solar Festival through video conferencing, being held in New Delhi. Mr Modi said India has taken many massive strides in green energy in the past few years, and it is the first G20 nation to achieve the Paris commitments in renewable energy.
The Prime Minister said the International Solar Alliance (ISA), established in 2015, is growing into a giant tree inspiring policy and action, and within a short time, its membership has reached a milestone of 100 countries. He added that 19 more countries are ratifying the framework agreement for attaining full membership in the ISA, highlighting that the growth of this organisation is important for the vision of one world, one sun. In his address, Mr Modi said one of the most popular mantras of the Vedas is about the sun, and even today, millions of Indians chant it daily. He added that many cultures across the world have respected the sun in their own ways.
Prime Minister highlighted that the International Solar Festival brings the whole world together to celebrate the sun’s impact and will help build a better planet. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi emphasised uniting efforts to move towards a solar-powered future. He said India has been harnessing solar energy for centuries, and this has evolved with the introduction of new technologies.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an international organisation that works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promotes solar power as a sustainable pathway to transition to a carbon-neutral future. Akashvani correspondent reports that the International Solar Festival is intended to celebrate the transformative impact of solar energy on communities in the ISA member countries. The festival aims at highlighting and celebrating the transformative power of solar energy and its role in powering new opportunities across the globe, leading the way to universal energy access, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. This festival will convene youth, women, communities, policymakers, and the private sector in a vibrant celebration of solar energy and its transformative power.
During the two-day event, there will be technical sessions led by industry experts. Exhibition booths and pavilions have also been set up by the International Solar Alliance member countries at Bharat Mandapam, along with experience zones displaying solar technologies and culture. Performances by acclaimed artists and musical concerts have also been planned to make this international event memorable.
