The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D) have formalised a Framework for Action (FFA) to strengthen cooperation in advancing renewable energy, with a strong focus on capacity building, academic collaboration, and human resource development across ISA Member Countries.

Solar power as a sustainable pathway to a clean energy future

A global initiative launched in 2015 by India and France at Climate conference COP21 in Paris, ISA works with its 120+ Member and Signatory Countries to improve energy access and security, advocating for solar power as a sustainable pathway to a clean energy future.

The partnership will support the training of renewable energy engineers, Solar Technology Application Centre (STAR-C) trainers, and research professionals, while promoting joint research, knowledge exchange, and technology cooperation in the field of solar energy.

 “Over the last five years, over a hundred students undertook masters in renewable energy through our partnership with the IIT-D where they are now taking on leadership roles across Africa, SIDS, and neighbouring regions, driving solar deployment and energy access where it is needed most. Building on this strong foundation, we are now expanding this partnership to launch a one year post graduate Diploma programme based on a Train-the-Trainers model. Leveraging IIT Delhi’s extensive academic network, and in collaboration with Institut National de l'Énergie Solaire (France), this initiative will help establish a global framework for building clean energy capability across International Solar Alliance Member Countries”,  Ashish Khanna, Director General, ISA, said.

“Looking ahead, we are also exploring the expansion of existing Master’s opportunities to include Master’s programmes in Public Policy and Ph.D. – solar energy sector pathways, further deepening academic collaboration and strengthening the global clean energy talent pipeline. This has the potential to transform the human capability on solar energy in Global South countries.”

Framework marks a significant milestone

The Framework marks a significant milestone and builds on ongoing capacity building efforts between ISA and IIT Delhi’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering which to date has successfully supported M. Tech. programme for professionals in Renewable Energy Technologies and Management, from across 18 developing countries across Africa and Asia Pacific.

“We are delighted to sign this agreement with ISA to develop global capacity in solar and renewable energy. This will benefit the Global South and India to build a sustainable pathway to net zero. We will be incorporating the latest techniques of AI, ML and Blockchain to enhance distributed solar and ensure security in future sustainable energy systems”, Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi, said.