The Green Grids Initiative has set the goal of networking solar energy infrastructure. In short, as part of the initiative, a cross-border power grid is being developed to provide solar power. Networks built as part of the initiative are called Green Grids Initiative One Sun One World Grid or One Sun One World Grid. It was announced at the COP26 Summit held in the city of Glasgow in November 2021. This initiative was jointly launched by India and the United Kingdom.
Highlights
The main purpose of this initiative is to strengthen the partnership of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). This initiative aims to bring together financial institutions, the United Nations of governments, and grid operators. This initiative accelerates the construction of the new infrastructure needed for affordable, reliable and secure power delivery. It also speeds up the construction of power connectors, charging points and flexible networks. The Green Grids Initiative was launched according to the One Sun One World Grid concept. The vision of the grid is “the sun never sets”. In a particular geographic location, the sun is always in the same location at a particular point in time. The green grid passes through such points on Earth and connects their solar potential. Financial aid from World Bank will be taken to implement this plan.
Grid Zones
India is placed in the middle of this grid. By cantering India, the plan divides the solar spectrum into two broad areas. These are the Far West and the Far East. The Far West network runs through Middle East and Africa. The Far East network runs through countries such as Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
Phases of this plan
This initiative will take place in three phases. They are: In Phase 1, the network will be established within the Asian continent. In Phase 2, the network will be established in the African continent and in Phase 3, the network will be networked globally.
Green Grids Initiative Issues
This initiative is seen as inconsistent with the vision of Prime Minister Modi’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat plan. In India, renewable energy developers, including solar energy developers, deal with different state governments and therefore comply with different regulations and laws. While domestic implementation of the initiative is subject to such a variety of laws and regulations, international implementation is certainly a challenge. Therefore, this initiative may prove to be a slow-moving project.
Conclusion
This step will be key to future renewable energy systems around the world, as regional and international networked green networks can balance the shared use of renewable energy across national borders. It provides the opportunity to quickly learn from global development and share renewable energy resources to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions and protect society from pandemics. Institutional building is the key to realizing the ambitions of multilateral grid projects. In this regard, the ISA, as an independent supranational body, can make decisions on grid operations and dispute resolution.
