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

December 16, 2025
The global solar inverter industry will contract over the next two years as major markets in China, Europe and the US confront new volatility, according to energy market analyst Wood Mackenzie.  
December 15, 2025
France has awarded 507.7MW of solar PV capacity in its latest technology neutral auction, with only solar projects selected.
December 12, 2025
India’s flagship solar PV manufacturing incentive has driven “robust growth” in the sector since its launch, but hurdles remain to building a complete domestic supply chain.
December 11, 2025
The Chinese polysilicon industry has emerged with a new "inventory platform" with a RMB30 billion capital aimed at increasing prices.
Sponsored
December 9, 2025
Tongwei used its Global Partner Summit to show how high-efficiency PV, digital manufacturing and biodiversity protection must advance together.
December 3, 2025
The Asian Development Bank has approved a US$650 million loan to accelerate rooftop solar PV deployment in India.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
December 17, 2025
2pm GMT / 3pm CET
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA