India Backs Clean Energy Push for Island Nations at COP30

India’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister, Bhupender Yadav addressed the High-Level Ministerial Leadership Session of the ISA SIDS Platform on the sidelines of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, focusing on energy security for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The event, themed “Uniting Islands, Inspiring Action – Leadership for Energy Security,” brought together officials from SIDS, International Solar Alliance (ISA) member countries, and partner organisations to discuss affordable and resilient clean energy access.

The session highlighted that SIDS face vulnerabilities, including high dependence on imported fossil fuels, climate-related disruptions, and fragile infrastructure. The ISA SIDS Platform aims to create a transformative digital and financial ecosystem to accelerate solar deployment through standardised procurement, blended finance, capacity building, and easier access to solar technologies.

During the address, the Minister reiterated India’s commitment to helping island nations expand clean energy under the ISA initiative. It was noted that India has crossed 500 gigawatts of installed power capacity, with more than half coming from clean sources, and has reached its 50% non-fossil electricity target ahead of schedule. India is now the world’s fourth-largest renewable energy producer and ranks third in solar power installations.

Examples of community-focused solar initiatives were shared, including rooftop solar adoption, which has reached over 20 lakh households. The Minister described how solar access is reducing electricity costs and improving self-reliance at household and agricultural levels. Solar pumps and feeders were highlighted as key tools for farmers’ daytime energy needs, reducing dependency on diesel.

The address also referenced efforts to electrify remote forest regions through the PM JANMAN scheme and major investments in energy storage projects. One of India’s upcoming projects in Ladakh will combine large-scale solar generation with battery storage capable of powering an entire city. Such models, it was noted, could cut diesel use and energy expenses for island nations.

The Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to the ISA, which now has over 124 member countries. ISA initiatives were recognised for accelerating solar project design, mobilising finance, generating local employment, and positioning solar power as a reliable electricity choice.

Representatives of island nations lauded India’s progress in renewable energy, especially the solar energy sector. They also expressed their views in support of the SIDS platform in unlocking renewable energy potential for them. It was recognised that climate-resilient energy systems are essential not only a climate priority but a socio-economic priority as well. The platform is expected to help SIDS in visibility studies, skilling domestic workforce, and reducing risks associated with climate finance.