Shining Bright: Advancing Solar Energy Research and Innovation in International Solar Alliance Member Countries

In most of the developed countries where solar energy has been significantly mainstreamed, centres of excellence have played a major role by providing expertise to build technical capacity, conducive policies and attract investments. In Germany, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems; in France - Institut National de l’Énergie Solaire (INES); in Netherlands Delft University of Technology; in Belgium European Renewable Energy Research Centres (EUREC) Association; and in United Kingdom Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST) had an instrumental role in the early stages of growth trajectory of solar energy by providing a strong research and innovation platform within the country and globally.

In recent years, solar energy has emerged as a promising solution to the energy challenges faced by SIDSs and LDCs. With abundant sunlight resources, these countries have a tremendous opportunity to leapfrog traditional fossil fuel-based energy systems and embrace sustainable development.

However, realizing the full potential of solar energy in SIDSs and LDCs requires a dedicated research and innovation ecosystem. Acting as an interface, ISA’s Solar Technology Application Resource Centres (STAR Centres) intends to create an interface between the ISA member countries and the global research and innovation

ecosystem including from the EU to leverage technical expertise and resources for accelerated deployment of solar energy. The side event intends to bring together government, scientists and experts from the European region to discuss the characteristics of an intended ISA research and innovation sounding board, to identify opportunities and to aggregate technical resources for joint programs on research and innovation. Thus, driving systemic changes in technical capacity for accelerated solar deployment in ISA member countries.

The idea is directly supportive of and consistent with the development priorities of the European Countries and supports low- and middle-income countries in accelerating and scaling up equitable energy transitions thereby creating green jobs.

The expected outcomes from the roundtable are:

• Recommendations on how European actors and expertise can strengthen STAR C

• Enhanced collaboration and networking among European stakeholders on solar energy research and innovation benefitting SIDs and LDCs.

• Concrete recommendations from a European perspective on creating a research and innovation platform (sounding board) for ISA member countries.