ISA releases “Roadmap of Solar Energy for Universal Energy Access” report
Power and New and Renewables Energy Minister, and International Solar Alliance President, R K Singh has inaugurated 9 Solar Demonstration Projects in Uganda, Comoros and Mali at the ISA meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, on 31 Aug 2023.
Singh inaugurated the plants virtually from New Delhi in a meeting attended by 36 countries and 15 Ministers.
Four of these projects are in Uganda, two in Comoros and three in Mali, MNRE said on 31 Aug 2023.
Through grants given by the International Solar Alliance, solarization of a rural healthcare centre and three primary schools, with a capacity of 8.5 kilowatt peak and a 17.2 kilowatt hour battery storage system, has been commissioned in Uganda.
Similarly in Comoros, solarization of two rural healthcare centres in Banguoikouni and Ivembeni, with a capacity of 15 kilowatt peak and a 33 kilowatt hour battery storage system.
Solarization of three rural healthcare centres in Koula, Sinzani, and Doumba, of the Republic of Mali, with a capacity of 13 kilowatt peak and a 43 kilowatt hour battery storage.
None of these areas had energy access before.
Dedicating the nine demonstration projects to the countries, the Minister Singh underlined the commitment to undertake such projects which improve well-being of the underserved.
“These demonstration projects transcend their energy provision role; they serve as drivers of advancement and emblems of global cooperation,” said Singh.
“At the International Solar Alliance, our dedication remains unwavering in furnishing additional instances where such showcase projects can enhance the well-being of the underserved. We seek to lay down compelling models for replication in our Member Countries.”
He also pointed out that the ISA is an international organisation which is a partner to the G20 Presidency of India, and as a partner in the 2023 G20 processes, it has been advocating an important message on the need to promote solar energy for universal energy access and in enabling a sustainable energy transition.
The Minister highlighted a report, “Roadmap of Solar Energy for Universal Energy Access”, released by ISA, in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
The report unfolds a strategic vision of leveraging solar-driven solutions to tackle the global energy access challenge effectively and economically. The report provides case studies, examples, innovative policies that can make a pivotal shift in deployment of solar mini-grids.
The ISA President said that the findings of the report are particularly relevant for the African continent.
“Energy access challenge is more acute in Sub-Saharan Africa and in rural areas. The report identifies a combination of electrification approaches, centred around solar energy, with an emphasis on solar mini-grids and Decentralized Renewable Energy solutions, which can be deployed to address energy access challenges in different situations,” said Singh.
“Promoting such solutions can also lead to locally developed innovative ideas and business models coming to the forefront, which can greatly enhance the solarization of country’s energy generation.”
Singh said that the ISA is dedicated to tackling the urgent lack of affordable financing and technical expertise in the ISA Member Countries, particularly in our Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Member Countries.
“The ISA has completed demonstration projects in eight countries. These include the solarization of health centres in Comoros, Guyana, Niger, Uganda and Mali; the solar irrigation project in Jamaica and Togo; and the solarization of school buildings in Kiribati and Uganda.
“The fundamental concept behind these demonstration projects is straightforward yet compelling: to showcase the remarkable potential of solar technology applications in enhancing the lives of individuals across our member nations.
“As we witness the realization of this vision through the inauguration of nine demonstration projects today, I am overwhelmed by a sense of optimism and gratitude,” said Singh.
He underscored, “The vision is a future where clean and sustainable energy stands as a fundamental pillar of development, where solar energy is harnessed to uplift communities and preserve the environment.
“Today, we commemorate the essence of ingenuity, collaboration, and shared ambitions that have materialized these undertakings. Let us persist in our joint efforts, tapping into the solar potential to illuminate the route toward a more prosperous, sustainable, and just world for all.”
Africa has the potential to become a global leader in renewable energy production and innovation, added Jama Taqal Abbas, ISA Vice President from the Africa Region and Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Somalia.
“Despite many challenges, Africa is blessed with an abundance of renewable energy resources, ranging from vast solar potential, wind resources, geothermal hotspots, hydro energy, and green hydrogen,” said Jama Taqal.
“It is also home to over 40% of the global reserve of critical minerals which are essential to renewable and low-carbon technologies. By tapping into these resources, Africa can not only meet its energy needs but also become a global leader in renewable energy production and innovation.”
The Vice President of ISA from the African Region added that Governments across Africa have a crucial role to play in accelerating the transition to clean energy by prioritizing renewable energy in national energy strategies, policies, regulation, and guidelines to create an enabling environment for investment, and development of the necessary infrastructure, such as transmission and distribution networks, to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the grid.
“In collaboration with ISA, we need to prioritize knowledge sharing between educational institutions, business professionals, and partners, discuss best practices, promote technology transfer, and foster capacity growth to establish a knowledgeable workforce that can innovate and support the expansion of the solar energy sector in Africa,” he said.
“Access to finance remains a significant barrier to scaling up solar energy projects in Africa. We have to work together with our partners, domestic and international financial institutions, to establish innovative financing mechanisms that make solar energy investments more attractive and accessible.”
Deliberations during the meeting emphasised that solar energy in Africa has gained significant attention as a promising solution to address the region’s energy challenges and in contributing to sustainable development. Africa’s abundant sunlight makes it well-suited for solar power generation, and various initiatives are underway to harness this potential.
ISA Director General Dr. Ajay Mathur expressed the need to capitalise on the potential of solar energy.
“Solar energy in Africa presents a remarkable opportunity to tackle energy deficits, advance sustainable development, and contribute to global endeavours in combatting climate change. Sustained collaboration among governments, private sector entities, and international organisations is indispensable to unleash the complete potential of solar energy across the continent.”
Regarding ISA’s distinctive initiatives for Africa, he said that ISA advocates for the utilisation of cost-effective decentralised solutions, exemplified by mini-grids that can be swiftly implemented in areas lacking or limited in grid infrastructure. He added that ISA’s interventions within the 2023 G20 processes have prominently addressed this pivotal theme.
Reflecting on innovation and entrepreneurship, Dr. Mathur highlighted ISA’s SolarX, an exclusive Startup Challenge, recently announcing winners from its Africa segment.
“African entrepreneurs and innovators are crafting distinct solutions to confront local energy challenges, representing a highly advantageous approach where local needs are met with locally nurtured solutions.”
The proceedings of the Regional Committee Meeting presented important updates on multiple initiatives of ISA, such as STAR-C, SolarX Startup Challenge, and Global Finance Facility, which are ISA’s key interventions in driving capacity building, innovation, and investment in the solar sector and hold the potential for tailoring to specific indigenous needs. Fiinews.com
