What are the major bottlenecks and challenges you face while building the global solar energy sector?

While substantial funding has been directed toward solar investments, the majority of these resources are concentrated in a few countries, leaving many developing nations without adequate support. Energy inequality remains a significant challenge, particularly in Africa, where a large portion of the population lacks reliable access to electricity. Climate vulnerability further exacerbates these challenges, with extreme weather events increasing the demand for energy while also threatening existing energy infrastructure. These issues necessitate a re-evaluation of our approach to future energy sources and economic dynamics. In regions like Africa, where extending the grid is often impractical due to high costs, solar mini-grids emerge as a viable solution. This approach not only provides electricity but also empowers local communities, enabling them to use energy autonomously, such as through solar pumps for agriculture, reducing reliance on expensive diesel. However, integrating solar energy with agriculture presents unique challenges. The compatibility of certain crops with solar installations, logistical issues with farm sizes, and connecting mini-grids to larger grid systems in remote areas all require innovative solutions. Addressing these challenges requires us to focus on reducing investment barriers, enhancing investor confidence in developing countries, and building local capacity through training and certification programs.

One of the avowed objectives of the ISA is to enhance financial access by mitigating risks and attract private investment. Towards this objective, what steps have been taken in the last 2-3 years since we last interviewed you?

The ISA has been actively working to create a conducive environment for solar investments by advocating for regulatory frameworks that emphasize the attractiveness of solar energy. We have launched several initiatives to build investor confidence, particularly in developing countries. Notably, our Global Solar Facility aims to provide guarantees to crowd in private sector investment in African nations. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to consolidate resources and provide payment guarantees. We have also strengthened capacity-building efforts, training professionals across our Member Countries through various programs, and launched the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre to further expand the scope of solar energy applications. Additionally, the ISA is working on mechanisms to integrate mini grids into larger grid systems, particularly in remote regions, to ensure that solar energy projects are not isolated but contribute to a cohesive energy infrastructure.

The ISA is guided by its “Towards 1000” strategy that aims to mobilize USD 1 trillion in investments in solar energy solutions by 2030 while delivering energy access to 1 billion people using clean energy solutions. Once again, could you guide us through some of the steps taken by the ISA to meet these ambitious targets?

The ISA’s “Towards 1000” strategy is operationalized through a programmatic approach that currently includes nine comprehensive programs focusing on distinct solar energy applications. These programs address three priority areas: Analytics & Advocacy, Capacity Building, and Programmatic Support. Our efforts are facilitating the deployment of over 9.5 GW of solar applications with presence across90 plus countries. Through capacity-building initiatives, we have trained nearly 5,000 people globally to support solar energy projects, thereby creating a skilled workforce. Additionally, our advocacy work has led to the adoption of solar-friendly policies in many Member Countries, paving the way for greater investment and deployment. In Africa, for instance, we are focusing on the integration of solar energy with agricultural practices, where solar panels not only provide power but also create dual-use benefits by allowing specific crops to grow underneath. We are also addressing the challenges posed by the distribution of solar-generated electricity in rural areas, exploring innovative solutions for connecting mini-grids to larger systems. The introduction of payment guarantees and targeted investments in decentralized projects are key components of our strategy to ensure that solar energy reaches even the most underserved populations.

Also, the ISA is focused on ensuring that the world has installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity by 2030 which would help mitigate global solar emissions to the tune of 1 billion tonnes of CO per annum. We understand you’ve a programmatic approach for this. Kindly elaborate.

To achieve the goal of installing 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity by 2030, the ISA has adopted a multi-faceted programmatic approach. Our initiatives focus on creating a favorable environment for solar energy investments through regulatory support, capacity building, and targeted programmatic efforts. For example, we are promoting the adoption of solar mini-grids to provide universal energy access, particularly in regions where grid extension is prohibitively expensive.

These mini-grids not only supply electricity but also empower local communities by enabling them to generate and use energy independently. We are also supporting solar startups in Africa and plan to expand this support to other regions. A significant focus is on scaling projects through mechanisms that ensure competitive bidding and private sector participation, as demonstrated by the scaling of projects in Latin America, where an initial 60 MW bid expanded to 360 MW. Additionally, as battery storage technologies advance and become more cost-effective, they will play a crucial role in stabilizing energy supply, particularly in regions where traditional grid solutions are not viable. By working with international partners, optimizing regulatory assistance, and mobilizing investment, the ISA is ensuring that solar energy’s transformative potential is realized across the globe.