Proposal seeking ratification of ISA framework agreement endorsed

KATHMANDU: A meeting of the House of Representatives passed a proposal seeking ratification of a framework agreement related to the membership of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on Thursday.

The proposal was introduced in the Lower House of the Federal Parliament by Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet.

Members of Parliament including Raghuji Pant, Madhav Sapkota, Juli Mahato, Lal Prasad Sawa Limbu, Amar Bahadur Thapa, Devendra Poudel, Prem Suwal, Dhruva Bahadur Pradhan, Rajendra KC, and Nagina Yadav took part in the discussion on the proposal.

Responding to the lawmakers' queries during the discussion, Minister Basnet stated that the framework agreement was in the nation's interest from an economic, technological transfer, and clean energy perspective. It is also necessary to address the gap in power production during the country's dry and rainy seasons, he asserted.

According to the ISA website, the ISA is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for the increased deployment of solar energy technologies. It aims to provide energy access, ensure energy security, and drive energy transition in its member countries.

The ISA strives to develop and deploy cost-effective and transformational energy solutions powered by the sun. This helps member countries develop low-carbon growth trajectories, with a particular focus on delivering impact in countries categorised as Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

At present, 119 countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement. Of these, 98 countries have submitted the necessary instruments of ratification to become full members of the ISA.