US examines partnering with ISA

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) remains hopeful of partnership with the US despite its withdrawal from the Paris Accord on climate change.
"Yesterday, I have received a mail from the US saying, "we are examining." India and the US are equally interested in the ISA. We both have collaborative projects in the renewable energy sectors," ISA interim Director General Upendra Tripathy said on the sidelines of the Bengal Chambers organised Environment and Energy Conclave here.
He further said US had shown keen interest in partnering in the ISA programme and projects but for 'formal membership' they might have their internal processes.

In June, President Donald Trump announced his decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change and renegotiate the deal arguing that countries like China and India are benefiting the most from it.
The accord was agreed upon by over 190 countries during the previous Obama administration.
Tripathy said economic reasons and market push would drive countries in joining the ISA.

He indicated that ISA was more interested in bringing China into the alliance.
So far 38 countries are signatory of which eight countries have ratified. ISA needs minimum 15 countries to become a legal body which is likely to be formalised on December 9.

This is a long journey. In 1000 GW of solar, China will be the biggest beneficiary out of this as they are selling the panels. They do realize that. They will love to come. On December 9, a solar summit is proposed where French President and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to attend, Tripathy said.
ISA will be aggregating demand of solar pumps and solar products across their potential 121 countries as its members and pricing will be arrived. But ISA will not get involved in procurements.
ISA is also woking on insurance risk pool of USD 300b in over next 10 years to derisk the solar projects under ISA.