India Invests in Solar Projects in Indo-Pacific Island Nations

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has signed a Project Implementation Agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to operationalize solar projects worth USD 2 million in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. This initiative aligns with India's commitment to invest USD 2 million in new solar projects in these Indo-Pacific countries under the Quad Climate Working Group initiative.

The agreement underscores India's dedication to promoting renewable energy and facilitating just energy transitions in island nations of the Indo-Pacific. A study conducted by the ISA identified energy challenges in these countries, including the perishability of agricultural products, unreliable electricity supply in health centers, and irrigation needs in remote areas lacking grid power or solar mini-grids.

The solar projects will focus on addressing these challenges by providing cold storage facilities, solarizing healthcare facilities, and implementing solar water pumping systems. These projects are expected to enhance energy access, create employment opportunities, and provide reliable and quality power supply in the beneficiary countries.

Solar energy presents a viable solution for these nations to address climate change-related challenges. This latest investment by India reinforces the Quad's commitment to tackling climate change and facilitating a transition to a clean energy economy for the benefit of people, the planet, and shared prosperity.