The rise of CO2 concentrations in recent decades has led to an increase in the average global temperatures by almost 1°C.To counter global warming a new set of technologies have emerged of which solar PVs is prominent.
This idea of converting sunlight to energy has revolutionised the the energy sector and has proven to be a more inexpensive source of energy compared to coal and other carbon fuels.
Image Source:https://energy.mit.edu/research/future-solar-energy/
Many Governments have shown interest in this technology due to it's many positive effects and have been making plans to implement it. Today, I would like to introduce to you a plan that India has proposed on the global stage called OSOWOG that stands for "ONE SUN ONE WORLD ONE GRID". The plan is to connect 140 countries(almost the whole world) with one grid connected to solar energy assets in all these countries and provide 24/7 clean energy to all it's participants. The idea behind this project can be summed up in one line- "The Sun never sets for the entire world at the same time".
My OPINION
This according to me is not just confined to solar but can be connected to other renewable energy assets such as hydroelectric, wind and also nuclear depending on the country's abundance of natural resources.
To see how this can rollout let us take the Indian subcontinent.
(Disclaimer: The actual borders of countries in the map used above is to be ignored and should only be used for reference with the given example )
Image Source:https://coursesite.uhcl.edu/HSH/Whitec/ximages/mapsglobes/SoAsia/IndiaMaps.html
India and Bangaldesh enjoys ample sunshine for most of the year and can generate solar energy, Nepal and Bhutan have large perennial rivers and can generate hydroelectric power and Sri Lanka can generate wind and tidal energy and these countries if they have a single grid can trade clean power among one another. Expanding this system to the whole world can be beneficial to all it's participants in both economic and energy terms.
Currently the plan's feasibility is being checked by the IMF and various ministries and organisations in India. And this can pave the way for international power trading and provide many economic and environmental benefits to all it's participants.
Challenges
The main challenge to this plan is capital and co-operation. Are the 140 countries under the plan willing to co-operate and participate actively? Are they ready to pledge capital for such a plan? Can all these countries successfully set up the power infrastructure required? Are they willing to trade energy freely?
Whereas on the technological front, the main challenge is that of transmission and infrastructure.
Conclusion
The plan is revolutionary but there are setbacks on both technological and political fronts. But we can surely wait and see how it unfolds in the mission to reduce global warming and make our planet a cleaner and safer place to live .
I will be looking forward to your opinion over this topic.
Thank You,
Warm Regards,
