Empowering the Global South through resilient solar supply chains for clean energy transitions at COP29

Baku, November 11, 2024: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Becquerel Institute jointly organized a dynamic session titled, ‘Making Solar the Energy Source of Choice: Building Resilient Supply Chains for Clean Energy Transitions in the Global South’ on the first day of COP29. This event brought together key stakeholders to address the critical need for resilient solar energy supply chains, especially in developing countries, to support global net zero ambitions. A key focus of the session was on the essential role of private sector participation in achieving these goals, with an emphasis on regional and global collaboration to make solar energy a truly sustainable and accessible form of renewable energy.

Experts convene to tackle solar supply chain challenges and chart a path to sustainable energy futures for developing regions on COP29’s opening day

The event began with opening remarks by Mr Arupendra Nath Mullick, Vice President, TERI, who stressed the urgency of developing local solar PV manufacturing capabilities to mitigate geopolitical and economic risks. He remarked that diversifying supply chains is essential to ensuring energy independence and sustainability for all.

Mr Ian Paul Kenchington, Head of Data Analytics, Becquerel Institute, set the stage by outlining strategic insights from their 2023 report and the strategic questions that must be addressed to build resilient supply chains for clean energy transition in the Global South. “The extreme concentration of the solar PV supply chain poses both economic and geopolitical risks,” he noted. Expressing his views on manufacturing, he further added, “Local manufacturing is essential. Developing local manufacturing capabilities would lead to boom in new applications such as rooftop PVs, agrivoltaics and floating PVs, that would bring advantages for end-use consumers, public authorities and project developers alike.”

The session also featured the unveiling of key recommendations for resilient supply chain development, along with a multimedia clip from the ISA Private Sector Pavilion at the International Solar Festival. These recommendations aim to meet the 1,900 GW capacity target needed for the transition scenario and the $150 billion investment in solar manufacturing required by 2030.

An engaging panel discussion, moderated by Mr RR Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, explored how solar energy will evolve in global and national markets. “Solar has become the energy of choice due to current costs,” Mr Rashmi remarked.

The panelists, each a luminary in their field, shared their insights and vision for a resilient solar future. Solar Energy is a new source of energy for Sweden. Hence, sharing a different perspective of this renewable source of energy, Ms Annika Ramsköld, Chief Sustainability Officer, VATTENFALL AB, highlighted, “When we deploy solar energy, we do it in a responsible way both form societal and environmental aspect.” “We want to ensure that the deployment of solar energy is fossil fuel free throughout the value chain.”

Stating the importance of technology, Mr Fabby Tumiwa, Executive Director of the Institute for Essential Services Reform, Indonesia, said, “Technology is capital intensive and has a high environmental impact irrespective of the way it is processed.” He expressed optimism on SE Asia becoming a hub for solar if the demand vs supply was addressed.

“Solar will play a crucial role across all sectors, with a focus on expanding energy access,” remarked Mr Ramesh Kumar, Chief of Programmes, International Solar Alliance. He further stressed that creating demand is essential for diversification.

Mr Deepak Agrawala, Senior Executive Vice President at Avaada Group, emphasized, on the eco-system wide approach. “There is a need to scale up the solar capacity both for manufacturing and supply.” “Create capacity, standardize consumption norma and also take care of the environment,” was the approach he advocates.

Highlighting the concept of circularity Mr Ankit Todi, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mahindra Group, remarked, “There needs to be a planned capacity of solar panel recycling. Circularity of all the materials used for solar PVs should be considered. Responsible procurement will make the transition efficient.”

Mr Mahendra Singhi, CEO of Dalmia Bharat Group of Companies, and appointed COP Business Leader by the United Nations, noted, “Cost of round the clock energy is an important aspect to be considered for a successful just transition. Innovation in the manufacturing process will further add to the process.”

Expressing their views on the subject, Mr Jack Graham Deputy, Editor Thomson Reuters Foundation, said, “For just transition to be successful, targetted reskilling, especially for groups like women are essential. Government incentives, will further help in advancing the transition.”

The future, as envisioned by the session’s leaders, is one in which solar energy drives equitable, secure, and sustainable energy access across the Global South, with diverse, resilient supply chains supporting long-term energy independence.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr Arupendra Nath Mullick, who acknowledged the invaluable contributions of all speakers and participants, reinforcing TERI’s commitment to advancing dialogues that foster sustainable energy transitions on a global scale.

TERI policy briefs:

• India Transforming to a Net-Zero Energy Emissions System
• India Transforming to a Net-Zero Energy Emissions System – A Call to Action 2030
• India's electricity transition pathways 2050
• Concentrating solar power plants with storage
• Pumped Storage Plants - Essential for India's Energy Transition
• Renewable Power Pathways: Modelling Integration of Wind & Solar in India by 2030