Over 120 countries will join today the International Solar Alliance, which aims to promote the greater use of solar energy around the world.
The alliance will be co-launched at the UN climate negotiations in Paris by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and France’s President Francois Hollande.
The 121 countries that will sign up to the initiative were described as “solar-rich” by Modi, in a speech at the opening of the Indian Pavilion today in Paris.
SolarPower Europe chief executive officer James Watson said: “We commend PM Modi and India for spearheading this collaborative initiative which recognize solar as a key solution to fight climate change whilst providing clean and affordable energy to millions of people.
“We wish the International Solar Alliance a fruitful two weeks in Paris and look forward to future cooperation.”
Solar Trade Association head of external affairs Leonie Greene said: “The UK will pay a very heavy price in lost economic opportunities if we marginalise ourselves from the extraordinary global rise of solar power.
“Solar markets are expected to accelerate after the Paris climate conference as strengthened international commitments give clearer signals to investors.
“David Cameron has expressed support for Modi’s new solar alliance, but that could ring hollow if his government effectively abandons the technology here in the UK.
“We hope he will see how prominent solar power is as a solution to climate change at the Paris conference and act quickly to secure British solar power on his return.”
Image: sxc
