New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs finalized a Project Implementation Agreement with the International Solar Alliance, marking the beginning of operations for a solar initiative valued at USD 2 million across Fiji, Comros, Madagascar, and the Seychelles, as reported by an official statement.
This move comes after India pledged to invest USD 2 million in solar initiatives in these Indo-Pacific nations as part of the Quad Climate Working Group's efforts.
Following the agreement's signing, the MEA Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared the news on social media platform X, emphasizing India's dedication to renewable energy and equitable energy transitions in the Indo-Pacific's island nations.
A study conducted by the ISA identified that the selected countries face challenges related to the fragility of their agricultural products, inconsistent electricity supply at health centers, and the need for irrigation in remote areas where neither the grid nor solar mini grids are accessible, as detailed in the statement.
The solar projects aimed at these nations will focus on cold storage facilities, solarizing health care centers, and solar water pumping systems, as mentioned in the statement.
The successful completion of these projects is anticipated to improve access to energy, create job opportunities, and ensure a reliable and high-quality power supply in these Indo-Pacific nations, as stated.
Solar energy is seen as a sustainable approach to tackle the environmental challenges these countries face.
"India's recent investments in clean energy in these nations underscore the country's commitment to the Quad's mission of addressing climate change challenges and supporting their transition to a clean energy economy, benefiting the people, the planet, and our collective prosperity," the MEA statement concluded.
