By Vardhani Ratnala, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist, International Solar Alliance
The Global Stocktake Report of the Paris Agreement at COP28 highlighted the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions and aim for net-zero by 2050. While many countries have pledged their net zero targets with specific commitments to accelerate deployment of solar energy, to truly build a worldwide momentum towards solar, there is an urgent need to strengthen global collaboration. This is required on multiple fronts. First, we need policies that promote technology transfer and diversification of solar value chains globally. Decentralisation of value chains from technologically advanced countries to those dependent on them, will not only enhance overall energy security, but will also improve economies and create jobs across the world.
Second, in line with the COP28 UAE Leader’s Declaration on a Global Climate Finance Framework, we need a Global Solar Finance Facility which will not only facilitate flow of funds from developed to developing countries but will also have an international development finance architecture that is responsive to each country’s solar-specific needs. In this regard, our organisation, International Solar Alliance (ISA) announced a Global Solar Facility (GSF) in 2023, to stimulate investment in solar projects in underserved segments and geographies across Africa. The Facility will offer payment guarantees, insurance and investment funds to mitigate risks in solar projects along with technical assistance to suit the specific needs of our Member Countries, especially the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
Third, there is also an urgent need for global co-operation on skilling and jobs. According to global statistics, by 2030, installed solar PV generation capacity will be the highest among all installed renewable power generation capacity. This transition to solar and other renewable energy technologies is estimated to create 14 million jobs (IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario) by 2030, while at the same time millions of jobs will be lost in fossil fuel and related industries. We need a global workforce with adequate skills to fill the new jobs that will be created in renewable energy sector. This workforce will also include those who have lost their jobs in non-renewable sectors and need to be reskilled. Therefore, the need of the hour is to have global skilling standards and training institutes, so people can be trained and find gainful employment in solar value chains across the world. Such kind of an international, qualified solar workforce will ensure that there is no shortage of skilled workers, and supply chains become more resilient. We at ISA, are working towards this, through our STAR – C (Solar Technology Application Resource Centres) initiative under which we offer customised trainings on solar applications and services to government officials, technicians, and other players in the sector.
Fourth, to truly accelerate the deployment of solar across the world, there is also a need to address the knowledge gaps that exist in the sector, such as information on technological advancements, innovations, regional profiles, vulnerability assessments, methodologies to measure impact etc. Addressing these gaps through collaborative global research is crucial. International Solar Alliance comes out with multiple knowledge products such as country road maps, ease of doing solar reports, global trends in solar reports, business models and financing instruments in solar, solar impact stories etc. in collaboration with our Member Countries to advance knowledge on solar. The Alliance has a strong international network with industry, academia and global organisations through which it also facilitates exchange of best practices, innovations and lessons learnt.
Fifth, it is imperative that we also make additional efforts to include women in the global transition we are seeing towards solar energy, so that they are a part of the future and are not left behind. We need to create awareness among them about various solar technologies, particularly on decentralised technologies like solar lamps, home systems, solar pumps etc., which can alleviate burden and enhance their access to education, health and other services, especially in low-resource or remote contexts. With the number of jobs increasing in solar and associated emerging sectors like green infrastructure, low-carbon transport, battery storage etc., special efforts are required to ensure that women who constitute around 50% of the global population, can find equal representation in green jobs as employees as well as entrepreneurs. Recruitment and retention policies and practices need to be made favourable to ensure meaningful participation of women; and lead to equal opportunities, equal pay and equal leadership. Multilateral, bilateral and private organisations can play a critical role in facilitating this ‘Just Transition’.
Sixth, there is also a need for global cooperation in setting Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) standards for players across the solar value chain. While the ‘E’ and ‘G’ part of ESG are addressed in frameworks internationally, the ‘S’ aspect needs a lot more work. Global standards need to be set in collaboration with multilateral agencies for inclusion and empowerment of socially marginalised groups beyond women or youth. Specific standards need to be set for inclusion of indigenous communities, persons with disabilities and LGBTQI+ people. Global benchmarks should be set on what constitutes ‘inclusion’ of these groups, along with standards for measuring progress and gauging impact.
Finally, for solar to be truly transformative, there is a need to enhance transparency and accountability through global cooperation. Standards should be set for countries and corporates on responsible ownership, procurement, financing, monitoring and evaluation, to prevent corruption, conflicts of interest and mitigate risks which can seriously hinder the growth of this technology to benefit all. International Solar Alliance was set up recognising the role of international cooperation in fast-tracking deployment of solar. Member Countries of the Alliance not only take concrete actions to scale up solar within their nation but are also committed to collective global action to enhance transparency and accountability.
About the author: Vardhani Ratnala is a development professional focuses on building transparent and accountable institutions and programmes. She is experienced in design and execution of results-oriented, evidence-based strategies across multiple domains including renewable energy, economic development, climate change, health, livelihoods, gender and social inclusion. She has led monitoring, evaluation, knowledge management and gender functions at UNDP, UNICEF, UNFAO and Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). Vardhani also worked with International Development Law Organisation (ILDO), an inter-governmental body, based in Rome, Italy. She is also a passionate advocate of women’s inclusion and empowerment. Currently, she leads the Monitoring and Evaluation vertical at the International Solar Alliance. She is also the focal point for the Alliance’s gender initiative – ‘Solar for She’. Vardhani holds a PG degree in Rural Management from Institute of Rural Management, Anand.
