India Launches Global Solar Leadership at ISA 2025

India, on October 28, 2025, launched a bold new phase in global solar leadership at the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) conference held in New Delhi. Launching a series of global initiatives, India called on nations to embrace a just and inclusive energy transition through innovation, circular economy practices, and equitable access.

Major solar initiatives launched at ISA 2025

• SUNRISE: SUNRISE stands for Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation, and Stakeholder Engagement. Solar waste recycling and circular innovation: transforming old solar panels into green jobs and sustainable products.
• OSOWOG (One Sun, One World, One Grid) global solar grid connectivity: connecting regions such as Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
• Global Capacity Center (GCC): will function as a hub for research & development, AI-driven training, GCC solar research, innovation, and startups.
• ISA Academy: to provide AI-based personalized training to enhance solar skills worldwide.
• Solar Innovation Center: building a “Silicon Valley for Solar Energy” in India.
• ISA Academy: Artificial Intelligence-powered learning platform: delivering customized solar education globally.
• SIDS: Procurement Platform: joint solar procurement for Small Island Developing States: enabling low-cost, resilient solar systems for island nations.
• The SIDS Procurement Platform, co-developed with the World Bank, is a lifeline for Small Island Developing States, many of which face severe energy insecurity and rising climate threats.
• UNRISE: From Waste to Wealth

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• Origin and Membership: The ISA was launched in 2015 by India and France during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris. It is the first international intergovernmental organization headquartered in India.
• It currently has 125 member and signatory countries working together to expand access to clean, affordable, and reliable solar energy across the world.

Record Renewable Energy Achievements:

• According to IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics 2025, India ranks fourth globally in total installed renewable energy capacity, fourth in wind energy, and third in solar energy capacity.
• Solar capacity has increased more than 39 times—from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 110.9 GW in 2025—including a record addition of 23.83 GW in 2024–25 alone.
• India achieved its target of 50% installed capacity from non-fossil sources five years ahead of its 2030 goal, reflecting strong policy and institutional commitment.
• Growth in manufacturing (2014 to March 2025): Solar PV module capacity increased from 2.3 GW to 88 GW, a 38-fold increase.
• Solar PV cell capacity rose from 1.2 GW to 25 GW, a 21-fold increase.