ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Kuwait’s Ambassador to India, Meshal Mustafa Al-Shamali, met with the Secretary-General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Ajay Mathur, in New Delhi on January 30 to discuss enhanced cooperation in developing sustainable energy solutions. The meeting marks a significant step in Kuwait’s efforts to transition toward cleaner energy sources and expand its capabilities in solar energy technology. Ambassador Al-Shamali told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the discussions focused on Kuwait’s collaboration with ISA to strengthen solar energy infrastructure, improve technical capabilities, and achieve a low-carbon future.
He emphasized that Kuwait’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance reflects its commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and reducing its carbon footprint. Kuwait took a major step toward renewable energy development by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to join the International Solar Alliance during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait last December. This move aligns with Kuwait’s long-term vision to diversify its energy sources and integrate solar energy into its national energy strategy.
During the meeting, Ambassador Al-Shamali highlighted the importance of leveraging ISA’s expertise in solar technology, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing. He also discussed ways to train Kuwaiti technical teams in solar energy advancements, which would help the country expand its solar energy sector. By collaborating with ISA, Kuwait aims to strengthen its research, development, and implementation of sustainable energy solutions, ultimately contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
ISA Secretary-General Ajay Mathur warmly welcomed Kuwait’s decision to join the alliance, calling it an “important historic event” due to Kuwait’s significant role in the global energy sector. He expressed optimism about deeper cooperation between ISA and Kuwait, focusing on optimizing solar energy adoption, improving technical expertise, and facilitating joint projects to enhance energy efficiency.
Mathur also noted that Kuwait’s participation in ISA presents a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and infrastructure development. With Kuwait’s vast potential for solar energy generation, the country can benefit greatly from ISA’s expertise in financing, policy-making, and project implementation in the solar sector.
The International Solar Alliance was launched by India and France at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015. The alliance aims to promote solar energy as a sustainable and accessible solution to global energy needs while addressing climate change challenges. Headquartered in India, ISA serves as a platform for international cooperation, fostering partnerships among member countries to develop and implement solar energy projects.
ISA plays a key role in enhancing global energy security by supporting clean energy transitions, advocating for policy reforms, and facilitating financial mechanisms for solar projects. By joining ISA, Kuwait strengthens its position in the renewable energy sector and aligns itself with international efforts to promote sustainable development.
Kuwait’s engagement with the International Solar Alliance marks a transformative step toward a sustainable and low-carbon energy future. The collaboration not only benefits Kuwait in terms of technological advancements and skill development but also contributes to global efforts in combating climate change through renewable energy solutions. As Kuwait deepens its partnership with ISA, it is poised to become a regional leader in solar energy adoption, setting an example for other nations to follow.
