Solarization of Aviation sector

Posted By
10Pointer
Categories
World Affairs
Published
29th Sep, 2022

Context

Recently, The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

About

The conclusion of MoU between ISA and ICAO was jointly hosted by India and France.
The MoU aims to check the growth of CO2 emissions in the sector.
This MoU carries forward the legacy of the bold initiative [The International Solar Alliance (ISA)] laid down by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former President of France Francois Hollande in 2015 at COP 21 in Paris.
- India, with the support of France, has invited nations to facilitate infrastructure for implementation of solar projects.
- The alliance has committed one trillion dollars as investment, and it is committed to making the costs of solar power more affordable for remote and inaccessible communities.

Significance of MoU

The event marks a new dawn for solar energy use in the global civil aviation sector.
It will enable the solarization of the aviation sector across all Member States.
It will work towards providing information, providing advocacy, capacity building and demonstration projects.

About International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilise efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy solutions.
It was presented by the leaders of the two countries at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to theUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015.
Headquarters: India
The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of the ISA.
It meets annually at the Ministerial level at the seat of the ISA.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)

It is a specialised agency of the United Nations which was set up on 4 April 1947.
It develops policies and standards, among other activities, for the member states and stakeholders.
The ICAO is dedicated to developing safe and efficient international air transport for peaceful purposes and ensuring a reasonable opportunity for every state to operate international airlines.
Headquarters; Montreal, Canada
Members: 193 countries

Significance of Solarization

Using unlimited energy potential: In one hour, the earth's atmosphere receives enough sunlight to power the electricity needed by every human being on earth for a year.

This unlimited energy is completely clean and sustainable.

Decarbonization: It will also help decarbonise energy production, which is today the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon dioxide emission is one of the major factors responsible for global warming, and the combustion of fossil fuels for our energy needs is the major source of those dangerous emissions.
In short, there is an urgent need for a greener and cleaner energy source.

New avenues: It will not only reduce carbon footprint and cost of energy but open up new avenues for cooperation between different regions and different countries.