Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at world leaders Summit of the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

Introduction

The Green Grid Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid (GGI-OSOWOG) was launched at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (November 2021) by India and the UK. It aims to create a global interconnected renewable energy grid to accelerate the transition to clean energy and combat climate change. This initiative builds on the vision of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to harness solar energy globally. The idea was first proposed by India during the First Assembly of the ISA in October 2018.

Value Addition Block — Key Features of GGI-OSOWOG

Purpose of the Green Grid Initiative

1. Global Renewable Energy Integration

• The initiative seeks to connect renewable energy grids across continents, enabling the transfer of clean energy from regions with surplus production to those with deficits.
• ★ Example: Solar energy from sun-rich regions like Africa can be transmitted to energy-deficient areas in Europe or Asia.

2. Accelerating the Energy Transition

• By promoting cross-border energy trade, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources.
• Substantiation: According to the IEA, renewable energy must account for 90% of global power generation by 2050 to meet climate goals.

3. Enhancing Energy Access and Equity

• The initiative focuses on providing affordable and reliable energy access to underserved regions, particularly in the Global South.
• Example: Electrification of remote areas in Africa and South Asia through solar energy grids.

4. Reducing Carbon Emissions

• By enabling the use of renewable energy on a global scale, the initiative contributes to the decarbonization of power systems and helps achieve the Paris Agreement goals.
• Data: The energy sector accounts for nearly 73% of global greenhouse gas emissions (UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2021).

5. Building Climate Resilience

• The interconnected grid enhances energy security and resilience against climate-induced disruptions, such as extreme weather events.

Historical Context: Origin in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• The One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) concept was first proposed by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the First Assembly of the ISA in October 2018.
• The ISA, launched in 2015, aims to promote solar energy deployment in 121 sun-rich countries, particularly in the tropics.
• The GGI-OSOWOG initiative expands this vision to a global scale, integrating other renewable energy sources and fostering international collaboration.

Way Forward

• Technological Collaboration: Develop advanced energy storage and transmission technologies to support long-distance energy transfer.
• Policy Harmonization: Align energy policies across nations to facilitate cross-border energy trade.
• Financing Mechanisms: Mobilize investments through public-private partnerships and green bonds to fund infrastructure development.
• Capacity Building: Strengthen institutional and technical capacities in developing countries to participate in the global grid.

Conclusion

The Green Grid Initiative represents a transformative step toward a sustainable and equitable energy future, aligning with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By fostering global cooperation, it has the potential to mitigate climate change, enhance energy access, and drive the world toward a net-zero future.