Solar Energy is Hope, Independence, and Peace: India

• India highlights clean energy progress, crosses 500 GW installed capacity
• Rooftop, rural and agricultural solar models showcased for SIDS
• ISA urged to build digital and financial ecosystem for small island nations
• India pledges support for resilient, affordable and accessible solar energy

GG News Bureau
Belem, 20th Nov: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav called for a united global push to enhance energy security for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), highlighting India’s solar success as a model for resilience and affordability. He was addressing the High-Level Ministerial Leadership Session of the ISA SIDS Platform on the sidelines of the UNFCCC CoP30 in Belém, Brazil, on Wednesday.

The meeting, held under the theme “Uniting Islands, Inspiring Action – Leadership for Energy Security,” brought together ministers and senior delegates from SIDS, International Solar Alliance (ISA) member nations, and partner agencies to accelerate clean energy solutions in highly vulnerable island territories.

Yadav underscored the unique challenges faced by SIDS — high reliance on imported fossil fuels, fragile infrastructure, and climate-driven disruptions — making decentralised solar solutions essential for long-term sustainability.

Showcasing India’s transformation, the Minister said the country has crossed 500 GW of installed electricity capacity, with over half now coming from clean energy sources — five years ahead of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) target. India is currently the fourth-largest renewable energy producer and the third-largest solar power generator in the world.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy thrust on scale, speed and people power for driving this rapid expansion. Yadav cited success stories from the PM Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Programme which has already empowered over 20 lakh households, turning rooftops into “mini power plants” and easing financial burdens on families.

He further highlighted solarisation of agriculture, enabling farmers to receive assured daytime power without diesel dependence, and initiatives lighting up remote tribal areas under the PM JANMAN scheme. He also pointed to India’s major strides in energy storage, including one of the world’s largest solar-battery projects being developed in Ladakh.

Calling ISA a “Global Solar Family” now representing more than 124 nations, Yadav said the alliance is helping design and finance solar projects, build jobs, and make clean energy the first choice for reliable power.

“For SIDS, such models can reduce diesel imports, cut energy costs and strengthen climate resilience,” he stressed.

He concluded by urging collective commitment, “Solar energy is spreading its light in more than technological ways. It is Hope and Empowerment. It is Independence. It is Dignity. It is Peace.”

Representatives from island nations commended India’s leadership and welcomed the ISA SIDS Platform as a critical enabler for capacity building, investment mobilisation and climate-resilient energy systems.