China joins the ISA in a surprise appearance by Beijing climate representative

November 20, 2017
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Credit: Flickr/Danny Howard.

China has joined the International solar Alliance (ISA) according to The Economic Times in India.

The latest union was announced during the recent UN climate change talks when Xie Zhenhua, China's delegation leader, praised India for leading the ISA.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Sources say that Xie made an unscheduled appearance at a session on the renewable energy market in India and was unexpectedly invited to join the programme.

A delegate participating in the programme said: “He is a senior leader in the climate process so when he came in, he was invited to speak.” 

ISA was launched by India and France ahead of the UN climate change conference in Paris 2015, China’s announcement is a victory for the deal as it is the largest manufacturer of renewable energy equipment globally.

India named China in the 121 countries for inclusion in the ISA; identifying it as a ‘prospective member'.

The majority of countries included in the ISA are emerging economies with limited and/or unreliable energy.

They are mostly located between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and all considered “sunshine countries”, that enjoy up to 300 days per year of sunshine. The ISA targets an opportunity for cost effectiveness and greater access to clean, affordable energy. 

Read Next

November 10, 2025
Indian independent power producer (IPP) ReNew Power has secured US$331 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for its solar plant in the Southern state of Andhra Pradesh. 
November 10, 2025
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will invest up to AU$45 million (US$29 million) in Fortescue's Solar Innovation Hub in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Premium
November 7, 2025
The increasing technical complexity of the renewable energy space has increased the demands on capital raising for those in the sector.
November 7, 2025
Saatvik Green Energy, through its subsidiary Saatvik Solar Industries, secured solar PV module orders worth INR2.99 billion (US$33.7 million). 
November 6, 2025
The French and Italian solar markets have both moved forward in their latest public tender process for solar capacity.
Premium
November 6, 2025
Third-quarter results show a clear split in the fortunes of China’s leading polysilicon and module producers, writes Carrie Xiao.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
November 12, 2025
10am PST / 1pm EST
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal