The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the pressing need to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development. At the heart of this transformation lies the ambitious One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative, which seeks to create a unified global solar grid. Proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 at the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), OSOWOG aims to harness and distribute solar energy worldwide across borders, revolutionising how the world produces and consumes energy. With a vision of creating a world powered by the sun, the initiative stands as a beacon of hope for a greener, more interconnected future.
OSOWOG: A Vision for Global Energy Interconnectivity
The OSOWOG initiative is built on the idea that “the sun never sets.” Given that solar energy is available somewhere on the planet at any given time, the concept envisions creating a global grid that transmits solar power from regions experiencing daylight to those in darkness. This global energy grid would allow nations to share renewable energy, ensuring that excess energy in one region can meet the energy demands of another.
By doing so, OSOWOG aims to balance energy production and consumption worldwide, promoting energy security and sustainability.
The initiative aims to connect 140 countries through an interconnected solar grid, ensuring continuous global solar power access. In collaboration with the UK and international organisations like the World Bank, India aims to build a comprehensive global cooperation framework in maximising renewable resource use. This vision was formalised during COP26 in 2021 when the Green Grids Initiative (GGI) was launched alongside OSOWOG as a vital component of the transition to clean energy.
Three Phase Implementation
Phase One focuses on connecting the Indian grid with the grids of neighbouring countries in South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. This would allow for the sharing of solar and other renewable energy resources across borders.
Phase Two aims to extend these connections to African nations, creating a broader regional grid that taps into Africa’s abundant solar resources.
Phase Three envisions a global energy grid by 2050, with 2,600 GW of interconnected renewable energy capacity. The goal is to integrate countries from all continents, forming a single power grid that any nation can access.
India’s Role in OSOWOG And the Global Renewable Energy Revolution
India plays a central role in the OSOWOG initiative. As one of the world’s largest energy consumers, India drives global efforts to transition toward renewable energy. With a target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuelbased electricity generation capacity by 2030, India is taking significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint and become a global leader in renewable energy production.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India ranks fourth globally in installed renewable energy capacity. In 2023-24, India added 9,943 MW of power generation capacity, with over 80% of this coming from renewable sources. This impressive growth is part of India’s broader effort to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
“The country has witnessed a meteoric rise from 76.38 gigawatts (GW) in 2014 to an impressive 203.1 GW in 2024. I am proud to share that today, India has achieved 4th position globally in RE Installed Capacity. We stood 4th in Wind Power capacity and 5th in Solar PV capacity.” Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy at a recent debate in Rajya Sabha
The OSOWOG initiative aligns perfectly with India’s sustainability goals. By establishing an “intercontinental power infrastructure,” India can secure its own energy demands and contribute to the global renewable energy ecosystem. The interconnected grid would allow India to access clean energy from other countries when needed and vice versa, ensuring a more balanced and resilient energy supply.
Addressing the September 2023 conference on Transnational Grid Interconnections for the One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative, Shri R. K. Singh, Former Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, announced that India has already connected its grids with Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Negotiations are underway with Sri Lanka, Singapore, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. He also mentioned that an international group has been formed to finalise a draft agreement for OSOWOG implementation.
The Global Impacts: Environmental, Economic, And Geopolitical
The initiative offers major benefits for the global energy landscape by accelerating the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, particularly solar power. Solar energy is clean, abundant, and cost-effective, making it a key tool in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. OSOWOG promotes efficient energy distribution by enabling cross-border sharing of resources, reducing reliance on local energy storage and enhancing renewable energy reliability.
Economically, it opens new markets for green technologies, spurring innovation, infrastructure development, and job creation, especially in developing countries. Geopolitically, it positions India as a leader in renewable energy, boosting its global influence and partnerships.
The Challenges of Implementing OSOWOG
While the OSOWOG initiative holds immense promise, it also faces significant challenges. Chief among these is the need to build consensus among 140 nations with varying energy needs, economic conditions, and political landscapes. Convincing countries to participate in the global grid and share their energy resources requires careful diplomacy and international cooperation.
Additionally, building a global energy grid presents immense logistical challenges. Land availability, climate variability, and the risk of transmission line breakages are all potential obstacles. Financing the project is another major hurdle. Although the ISA aims to mobilise $1 trillion in funding by 2030, securing long-term, affordable financing will be crucial to making OSOWOG a reality. Innovative financial instruments and private sector investments will be key to overcoming this challenge.
Another consideration is integrating renewable energy into existing national and regional grids. To ensure the global grid’s smooth operation, countries must update their infrastructure and adopt harmonised regulatory and technical standards. This will require capacity building and training in regions lacking access to modern energy systems.
He Road Ahead: Building A Sustainable Future
Despite the challenges, the OSOWOG initiative is crucial to a more sustainable future. By harnessing the sun’s power and sharing it across borders, the world can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and build a cleaner, more resilient energy system. The OSOWOG initiative is not just about energy; it is about fostering international collaboration, promoting economic growth, and enhancing societal resilience against climate change.
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India’s leadership in this initiative has positioned it at the forefront of the global renewable energy revolution. As the world prepares for the upcoming OSOWOG meeting in New Delhi, which will bring together key stakeholders from governments, international organisations, and the private sector, the focus will be on finalising the roadmap for implementing this ambitious project. The meeting is expected to set the stage for deeper cooperation and mobilise the resources needed to turn the OSOWOG vision into reality.