Solar Technology Application Resource Centre Initiative

• India is considering expanding its solar STAR-C initiative, run by the International Solar Alliance, to a number of Pacific Island countries.
• 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.

ABOUT SOLAR TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION RESOURCE CENTRE [STAR C] INITIATIVE

• It is a project to build STAR centres which will act as hubs of technology, knowledge, and expertise on solar energy.
• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with funding of the Government of France, are implementing the project.
• 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).
• The programme aims to boost solar power ecosystems in the poorest countries.
• In the Pacific, it currently runs in Tonga.