India may build solar infra in Pacific island nations amid Chinese push
New Delhi: India is considering expanding its solar STAR-C initiative, run by the International Solar Alliance, to a number of Pacific Island countries, according to persons aware of the matter. The programme aims to boost solar power ecosystems in the poorest countries. In the Pacific, it currently runs in Tonga.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in a summit with Pacific Island countries, India is looking to expand its diplomatic footprint in a region that has seen increased outreach by China. India’s efforts will primarily be focused on economic development, connectivity and climate change. The expansion of the STAR-C initiative will form a key part of that outreach.
“The overall objective (of the STAR-C initiative) is to create a strong network of institutional capacities within ISA Member States to enhance quality infrastructure (QI) for the uptake of solar energy product and service markets, particularly in least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS)," according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), which runs the initiative alongside the ISA. Funding for the project is also provided by France. The programme aims to boost capacity in developing countries by building solar workforces, standardizing products, setting up infrastructure and bringing greater awareness among policymakers.
In its initial stages, the focus was on the Economic Community of West African States, the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) and the East African Community. The expansion of the STAR-C initiative will come on the back of an increased outreach to Pacific Island nations from New Delhi. Modi flew to Papua New Guinea for the Forum on Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit
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