During the year, the ISA Secretariat launched the ISA Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (ISTAR C) to support capacity building efforts in the ISA member countries through training. Its primary objective is to create a skilled workforce for large-scale deployment of solar energy applications and research, development, innovation, standardisation and testing in solar energy. The initial assessment of the capacity needs, existing training and R&D infrastructures in ISA member countries were conducted in 2018.

The programme aims:

To build a network of technical training, entrepreneurship, and research and innovation centres in order to exchange best practices and promote knowledge dissemination and capacity-building. In accordance with the Guiding Principles set out in Article II of the Framework Agreement on the Establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), STAR-C centre will be involved in harnessing solar finance, solar technologies, innovation, research and development, and capacity building for the benefit of Members.

TTo develop and disseminate a range of (new or existing) training materials (online and in-person) for all types of audiences (technicians, master trainers, project developers, engineers, policy makers, etc.), and aim at the setting up of harmonized training programmes using a network of training facilities that would be recognized across the ISA Member countries.

To work on standardization of solar applications at the regional or sub-regional level and provide testing and technical certification capabilities to key STAR-centres.

To enable collaborative research and development among the ISA Member countries.

The Government of India has been supporting the ISA by providing training to master trainers in the field of solar energy through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Scheme. The duration of the training is 21 days and all costs are borne by the Government of India. In 2018-2019, 133 candidates from 25 countries were trained at the National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurugram, with the support of the ITEC programme.

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The Objective of the fellowship scheme is to contribute towards the long-term development needs of member countries, through the creation of a skilled and qualified professional manpower for management of solar energy projects, programmes and policies. Under this scheme, fellowships in the field of solar energy management will be offered to mid-career professionals from ISA countries for pursuing a master’s degree in renewable energy management and economics. They would be expected to contribute towards policy development in their home country which in turn will help ISA achieve its objectives.

21 candidates from 18 ISA Member countries are currently pursuing Masters degree in RE Management and Economics in the first batch that commenced on 22 July 2019.

Infopedia is an online platform dedicated to the dissemination of information, best practices and knowledge on Solar Energy. This project is supported by the EU and is likely to be launched in October 2019.

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