International Solar Alliance Plan Global Replication of India's PM-KUSUM Solar Pump Scheme

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is preparing to scale India’s landmark solar pump initiative, PM-KUSUM, across developing countries, with a special focus on Africa and small island states. 

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi - also the ISA Assembly President - announced these plans at the curtain-raiser event for ISA’s eighth General Assembly, scheduled in New Delhi from October 27-30.

From India to the Global South: Solar Pumps for Irrigation and Energy Access

The INR 34,000-crore PM-KUSUM scheme was designed to revolutionise rural agriculture in India by deploying 100 GW of solar plants on farmland, installing 1.4 million off-grid solar pumps and solarising 3.5 million grid-connected agricultural pumps. 

ISA Director General Ashish Khanna outlined how this replicable model addresses critical gaps in irrigation and energy, especially in Africa, where just four percent of arable land is irrigated compared to 60 percent elsewhere. 

Africa currently imports USD 400 billion worth of food annually, with states seeking solutions like PM-KUSUM to bolster food security and economic self-reliance.

Khanna emphasised that the ISA’s effort includes creating a large, aggregated platform for supporting Africa and small island states. ISA is setting up the Africa Solar Facility in Ahmedabad to provide risk guarantees for private investors looking to set up distributed renewable energy projects, aiming to leverage USD 200 million and mobilise up to 20 times that figure in private capital. 

This catalytic finance instrument will help nations adopt solar pumps, rooftop systems, and mini grids at scale.

India, an Emerging Leader in Solar and Manufacturing

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi highlighted India’s emergence as the world’s third-largest solar power producer, fourth in wind power, and second in solar module manufacturing after China. 

Over 20 lakh households benefit from rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, while PM-KUSUM targets 10 GW of small solar plants and millions of solar pumps for farmers. 

With its rapid deployment of renewables, India is on track to achieve the goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The country has already crossed the 50 percent mark in total installed power from non-fossil sources five years ahead of the COP26 deadline.

Solar Transformation and Distributed Energy

ISA’s focus is not only on replicating India’s success but also on aggregating demand among smaller economies to secure affordable procurement for solar and energy storage. 

Efforts include joint e-procurement platforms and digitisation pilots in India, Brazil, and African nations, offering a model for the Global South to accelerate its clean energy transition. 

According to Joshi, “India has shown what is possible. Through ISA, we will show the world that solar is not just the future—it is the only path forward”.

Policy Focus at Upcoming Assembly

At its eighth Assembly in New Delhi, ahead of COP30, the ISA will review progress and identify measures to promote affordable solar for all, especially least developed countries and small island states. 

Key themes will include de-risking investments, unlocking finance for distributed renewables, and scaling solar adoption with the support of technical and financial partnerships from India. 

ISA’s vision, as summed up by Director General Khanna, is to “accelerate momentum by moving from commitments to concrete projects, from dialogue to delivery, and from potential to measurable impact”. 

With India’s experience and ISA’s international platform, the solar pump story may soon become a global solution for sustainable agriculture and energy access.