The Indian Government has recently invited bids for the roll-out of its ambitious ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ (OSOWOG) plan. This ground-breaking initiative centres on constructing a global ecosystem of connected renewable energy resources, specifically solar energy, that can be shared seamlessly worldwide.
The Vision of ‘One Sun One World One Grid’
The main idea behind the OSOWOG is embodied in the phrase ‘The Sun Never Sets.’ This signifies that no matter the time, there’s a place somewhere in the world where the sun is shining, thus providing a constant potential source of solar energy. With this initiative, India tackles one of its most progressive schemes, aiming to bring about international economic benefits.
The project was taken up under the technical assistance program of the World Bank and may leverage the International Solar Alliance (ISA) co-founded by India, which currently has 67 member countries. Strategically positioned, India could play a significant role in harnessing solar energy from two broad zones – the Far East including countries such as Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Lao, and Cambodia, and the Far West including the Middle East and Africa.
The Three Phases of the OSOWOG Plan
The implementation of the OSOWOG plan is divided into three phases. The first phase focuses on interconnecting the Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asia (MESASEA). This initiative aligns with India’s Neighbourhood-first policy, promoting cross-border energy trade. India has already been supplying power to Bangladesh and Nepal and is pushing for a SAARC electricity grid without Pakistan. Initial plans also include setting up an under-sea link to connect with Oman.
In the second phase, the MESASEA grid will interconnect with the African power pools. The third and final phase will realize the dream of global interconnection.
Significance of the OSOWOG Plan
The OSOWOG plan is crucial in achieving reduced project costs, higher efficiencies and increased asset utilization, thereby benefitting all participating entities. The plan only requires incremental investment as it will be built on existing grid infrastructure. It also aids in attracting investments in renewable energy sources and encourages the sharing of skills, technology and finances.
Moreover, the project will help alleviate poverty and address socio-economic challenges such as water and sanitation. It is envisaged that India’s national renewable energy management centres will evolve into regional and global management centres, placing India as a key player in framing global strategies, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Relevant Backdrops for the Initiative
The OSOWOG initiative comes at a crucial time when factors such as India expediting the International Solar Alliance’s plan to set up the World Solar Bank (WSB), USA’s withdrawal from the Paris climate deal, and China’s attempts to gain dominance with its One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative are at play.
The WSB, with a capital of USD 10 billion, aims to rival funding institutions like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank (NDB). As countries seek to reduce global warming, the OSOWOG plan could offset the disadvantages of the USA’s withdrawal from the Paris agreement by providing clean and renewable energy sources. At the same time, it may present an alternative to China’s OBOR initiative, thereby providing a strategic balance in India’s favour.
The Way Forward
The OSOWOG move paves the way for future renewable energy systems globally. By allowing international interconnected green grids, it facilitates the sharing and balancing of renewable energy across borders. The initiative helps societies learn quickly from global developments, use shared renewable energy resources, reduce their carbon footprint and improve their resilience against pandemics.
