The International Solar Alliance and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi on February 25, 2026 formalised a Framework for Action (FFA) to strengthen cooperation in advancing renewable energy, with a strong focus on capacity building, academic collaboration, and human resource development across ISA Member Countries. The partnership will support the training of renewable energy engineers, Solar Technology Application Centre (STAR-C) trainers, and research professionals, while promoting joint research, knowledge exchange, and technology cooperation in the field of solar energy.
The MoU has been signed by Mr Ashish Khanna, DG, ISA and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi.
Prof. Vivek V. Buwa, Deputy Director (Strategy & Planning), IIT Delhi; Prof. Dhanya C. T., Dean, Academics, IIT Delhi; Prof. Somnath Baidya Roy, Dean, Planning, IIT Delhi; Prof Nilanjan Senroy, Dean, Alumni Relations, IIT Delhi; Mr. Felipe Saliba, Chief of Unit KMID, ISA; Prof. Ramesh Narayanan, Head of Department, Energy Science and Engineering [DESE], IIT Delhi; and other dignitaries from IIT Delhi and ISA were present on this occasion.
The Framework marks a significant milestone and builds on ongoing capacity building efforts between ISA and IIT Delhi’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering which to date has successfully supported M. Tech. programme for professionals in Renewable Energy Technologies and Management, from across 18 developing countries across Africa and Asia Pacific.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, Mr Ashish Khanna, noted, “Over the last five years, over a hundred students undertook masters in renewable energy through our partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi where they are now taking on leadership roles across Africa, SIDS, and neighbouring regions, driving solar deployment and energy access where it is needed most. Building on this strong foundation, we are now expanding this partnership to launch a one year post graduate Diploma programme based on a Train-the-Trainers model. Leveraging IIT Delhi’s extensive academic network, and in collaboration with Institut National de l’Énergie Solaire (France), this initiative will help establish a global framework for building clean energy capability across International Solar Alliance Member Countries. Looking ahead, we are also exploring the expansion of existing Master’s opportunities to include Master’s programmes in Public Policy and Ph.D. – solar energy sector pathways, further deepening academic collaboration and strengthening the global clean energy talent pipeline. This has the potential to transform the human capability on solar energy in Global South countries.”
Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi, said, “We are delighted to sign this agreement with ISA to develop global capacity in solar and renewable energy. This will benefit the Global South and India to build a sustainable pathway to net zero. We will be incorporating the latest
techniques of AI, ML and Blockchain to enhance distributed solar and ensure security in future sustainable energy systems. ”
Under the Framework for Action, ISA and IIT Delhi will collaborate across four core areas:
- Capacity Building and Talent Development Building a robust global talent pipeline by training Solar Technology Application Resource-Centre (STAR-C) trainers from across ISA Member Countries.
- Academic Programmes Expanding collaboration beyond the flagship M. Tech in Renewable Energy Technologies & Management to include the Train the Trainers (ToT) programme, a Master’s in Public Policy, and a Ph.D. in Solar Energy sector, shaping the next generation of clean energy leaders.
- Joint Research and Knowledge Creation Advancing research in solar resource assessment, quality standards, emerging technologies, and innovative applications, supported by shared teaching tools, knowledge products, and research outputs.
- Outreach and Knowledge Exchange Co-hosting workshops, seminars, and outreach activities to deepen collaboration and strengthen the global solar knowledge ecosystem.
The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to building long-term capability for the global solar transition.
About the International Solar Alliance
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a global initiative launched in 2015 by India and France at COP21 in Paris. ISA works with its 120+ Member and Signatory Countries to improve energy access and security, advocating for solar power as a sustainable pathway to a clean energy future. ISA’s evolving vision is anchored on four strategic pillars: (1) Catalytic Finance Hub to unlock and mobilise investments at scale; (2) Global Capability Centre and Digitisation to foster innovation, digital platforms, and capacity building across Member Countries; (3) Regional and Country-level Engagement to drive tailored interventions through strategic partnerships and (4) Technology Roadmap and Policy to accelerate the deployment of emerging solar technologies through actionable policy frameworks and knowledge resources. As a treaty-based intergovernmental platform, ISA provides technical guidance, policy leadership, and global coordination to support its Member Countries in scaling solar energy.
