“Time is running out” as global temperature already risen by 1.01 degree Celsius: RK Singh

New Delhi: The Union Minister for Power, New and Renewable Energy R K Singh on Wednesday raised concerns over the global warming and said the pace of emissions reduction is not as fast as it used to be and “time is running out”.

“There is almost complete unanimity across the world that energy transition has to be done and that emissions have to be reduced as soon as possible” R K Singh said while addressing the curtain presser for the 6th Assembly of International Solar Alliance to be held in New Delhi during October 30 – November 2, 2023.

The global temperature has already risen by 1.01 degree Celsius. As far as transition is concerned, solar is playing a major role” he said adding thet capacity addition in solar is outstripping that happening in any other form of renewable energy.”

Talking about the International Solar Alliance, he said it has a seminal role to play in energy transition given its focus on solar energy.

“Our experience shows that among renewable sources, solar has the edge; it is much more dependable, reliable and available for more months of the year,” the Minister added.

The Minister said the challenge lies in providing energy to the 750 million people who do not have access to energy.

” It is our mission in ISA to bring together to help these 750 million people. That is how we define our role – to help countries deprived of energy access, get access to energy” he said.

Addressing the media, Director General of International Solar Alliance. Dr. Ajay Mathur said that the ISA is supporting the growth of 9.5 GW solar energy in projects across the world. “More important than is supporting the institutional development for these projects.

Speaking about investment in solar energy, the DG, ISA informed that solar witnessed an investment of US$ 310 billion last year and that it is expected to be US$ 380 billion this year.

The DG said that the ISA is planning to perform a solar stocktake which will complement the global stocktake which is set to take place during COP28.
“We are moving ahead on supporting COP Presidency in tripling of renewable energy goal and in doing solar stocktake which will complement the global stocktake which will occur at COP28″ he added.

The Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre website (https://isa-ghic.org/) is already running. One training has already happened in Africa, at the same venue of the African Green Hydrogen Association meeting.

” We are also looking forward at new programmes such as Solar for She, which will look at renewable energy in women, our goal is that more women become entrepreneurs in the solar sector. We will update the Assembly about Global Solar Facility and SolarX Startup Challenge” Mr Mathur said.

The Sixth Assembly of the ISA will deliberate on ISA initiatives that impact energy access, energy security and energy transitions.., with
The focus areas of the summit will be universalisation of energy access through solar mini-grids, mobilising finance for accelerated solar deployment, diversifying supply chains and manufacturing for solar.