India has tremendous potential for harnessing solar energy. The country that enjoys almost 300 sunny days, can not only free itself from the excessive burden of fossil fuels but also take up a leadership role in the world by helping the developing and underdeveloped nations in the world get electrified. Taking this vision ahead, PM Narendra Modi spoke at the inauguration of the second edition of Global Reinvest Meet in 2018, about the benefits of solar and India’s intent in assuming a leadership role in what he called as the ‘One Sun One World One Grid program.
One Sun One World One Grid program
The idea of the One Sun One World One Grid program is that the entire globe needs to come together to harness the solar power 24X7, thus not limiting solar power to day-time alone. The solar spectrum for the program is divided into two zones – far east including countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia among others and the far west that would cover west Asia and the African region – with India at the centre of it all. About 88 countries of the world will be participating in the program will be benefitted from it. Through this initiative, India aims to build a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources that can be seamlessly shared for mutual benefits and global sustainability.
Objectives and Scope of One Sun One World One Grid
The main aim of the program is to minimize the cost of energy and harmonized distribution of energy. The under-developed countries of the world still suffer from major power cuts. The has hindered their development for the longest time. With the advent of the project, these countries will be able to take off their own development at a much faster pace and at a cheaper cost.
In addition to this, the aim is to also prevent loss of excess energy. With a grid that connects the globe, harmonious distribution of energy will be enabled and will, therefore, reduce the loss of energy. This will also essentially ensure energy security of all the countries of the world.
Benefits of the Project
The world heavily relies on fossil fuel currently for its energy needs. The countries spend a lot of money to import these fossil fuels which are polluting to nature and the environment. With the adoption of solar energy, the countries not only be able to save up on this cost but also protect the environment. The central idea of the program is collective ownership of the grid. While the central administration and management of the project will be led by International Solar Alliance and India, the grid would be collectively owned by the countries from which, the network will pass. In this manner, the program will also improve the employment scenario in these countries.
It is the first time that India has taken an initiative at such a global scale, where it is not negotiating as part of a problem but that of a solution. India has an opportunity to set an example in the global community of its ability to take up a leadership position and to ensure that India carries the world with it on its journey to progress and development.
