GEAPP, International Solar Alliance Sign Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Solar Energy Projects

January 10, 2025

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has made strides in promoting solar energy in India. Recently, GEAPP signed a Multi-Donor Trust Fund with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to mobilise $100 million for impactful solar energy projects. This collaboration aims to accelerate India’s clean energy transition through innovative initiatives. The efforts focus on bridging financing gaps and enhancing institutional capacity.

Key Initiatives and Funding

GEAPP and ISA have launched two major initiatives alongside the trust fund. The Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition (DUET) aims to modernise grid systems. It involves developing a technology suite that integrates smart sensors for real-time data analysis. The Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE 2.0) encourages innovative solutions for energy transition challenges. Together, these initiatives are designed to support scalable solar energy solutions across member countries.

Project Management and Oversight

The ISA will guide the strategic direction of the solar energy initiatives. GEAPP will provide governance oversight through its Project Management Unit. This includes facilitating fundraising efforts and leveraging expertise in energy transition planning. The collaboration aims to ensure that projects align with the needs of member countries.

Investment Impact and Goals

Since its inception in 2021, GEAPP has committed $464 million to 130 projects across 40 countries. These projects are expected to mobilise over $6.1 billion in capital. They aim to improve energy access for over 50 million people and businesses. Additionally, these initiatives are projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 43 million tons, benefiting over 2 million individuals.

Addressing Electricity Access Challenges

India has made progress in extending electricity access, reaching over 800 million people since 2001. However, approximately 2.5% of households remain without electricity. GEAPP marks that distributed renewable energy will be crucial in addressing this gap. The partnership aims to enhance energy access for low-income customers.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Project

In June, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission approved India’s first commercial standalone BESS project. This project, a collaboration between GEAPP, IndiGrid, and B-S-E-S Rajdhani Power Limited, received a concessional loan from GEAPP for 70% of the total cost. It is expected to be operational by early 2025, providing reliable power to over 12,000 low-income customers at ly reduced tariff rate.

GEAPP stands for Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.
ISA is the International Solar Alliance, focusing on solar energy initiatives.
BESS refers to Battery Energy Storage Systems, crucial for energy management.
DUET aims to digitalise grid systems for efficient energy distribution.
ENTICE 2.0 encourages innovative solutions for energy transition challenges.

Digitalisation and Smart Grids

DUET focuses on integrating technology into grid systems. It aims to digitally capture grid assets and utilise live smart sensors. This technology will conduct load flow analysis and track voltage and current in real-time. The goal is to reduce transmission and distribution losses. Additionally, it will assist in deploying BESS and integrating Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) into the grid.

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