Norway to become member of International Solar Alliance

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Norway has decided to become a member of the International Solar Alliance, an initiative of India aimed at promoting renewable energy and sustainable development.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt announced Norway’s membership of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during her official visit to India, a statement by the country’s Embassy said on Tuesday.

The International Solar Alliance is a multilateral organisation working for increased deployment of solar energy technologies around the world.

“We need to increase the pace of the green transition worldwide, and the use of solar cells will be important in this context. This is why Norway is joining the International Solar Alliance,” Huitfeldt was quoted as saying by the statement.

This will open up new opportunities for Norwegian companies, research, and cooperation between India and Norway in this area, she said.

“Norway plays an active role in the efforts to combat global warming and increase access to clean energy. We give high priority to climate and energy issues, and the International Solar Alliance will provide an important arena for strengthening political cooperation and strengthening collaboration on solar energy solutions with India in the time ahead,” said Ms Huitfeldt.

The ISA works to increase and harmonise demand for solar energy solutions and helps member countries to secure financing for viable projects. The ISA also seeks to reduce the risks and costs associated with solar energy development.

“Norway and India have a long tradition of cooperation in a variety of fields, including a number of joint projects on climate change and the environment. Participation in the ISA will further strengthen these efforts,” Huitfeldt said.

Norway can offer expertise in areas such as electrification, smart grids and renewable energy financing, the statement said. Norwegian participation in the clean energy sphere in India is expanding, particularly in the private sector, it said.

Membership of the ISA will increase the visibility of India as a market for Norwegian companies, it added.

In addition, Norfund (the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries) recently gave the green light for new investments in wind and solar energy in India.

Huitfeldt visited a facility for developing rooftop solar energy systems in which Norfund is one of the investors, the statement said.