India announced the launching of The Green Grids initiative, The One Sun, One World, One Grid project at COP26. It was launched during the United Nations Climate Change Conference to establish a global solar power grid.
Abbreviated as OSOWOG, it is a transnational electricity grid. This allows the member countries to transmit solar energy among themselves.
The distribution of sunlight is not equal in all places. The global power grid will facilitate the member countries to use renewable solar power. It means, that a solar power-rich country can transmit this solar energy to countries not having enough sun exposure. Moreover, this project will ensure 24 hours of energy supply just being shared without the need for storage.
Now, as many as 124 countries have agreed to become members of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
The benefits of the project
The most obvious benefit is the reduction in fossil fuel usage and shifts to a renewable energy sources. The project aims to provide sustainable and clean energy to all the member countries. Hence, it will attract green investments.
The proper implementation of this project would lead to reduced energy prices. It will provide an affordable power supply to low-income communities and improve living standards.
Furthermore, it will satisfy the solar power needs without the requirement of storage facilities. Plenty of green jobs will emerge which will boost employment and reduce carbon footprint.
The challenges to the project
Since this is a proposal, the project should be considered on practical grounds before complete implementation. The transmission of solar power over long distances can be very expensive. Hence, an efficient and affordable method of solar energy transmission must be studied.
Also, the project requires a huge capital investment which should not be done in haste. If implemented well, this project can make solar energy affordable and will be a good change for the climate.
