Landmark endeavour: The Green Grids Initiative (GGI), launched against the backdrop of the Glasgow Climate Summit, is a call to power the world economy with clean energy.
The Sultanate of Oman is among 80 countries globally that have endorsed the Green Grids Initiative – an ambitious endeavour to accelerate the construction of a renewable energy powered transmission network spanning the globe.
The landmark initiative was launched last week against the backdrop of the UN Conference on Climate Change (COP26) currently under way in Glasgow, UK. Backed by a high-level coalition advocating for clean energy, the Green Grids Initiative was unveiled in the presence of heads of states, leaders of international organisations and other leading personalities.
At the heart of the Green Grids Initiative (GGI) is a call to power the world economy with clean energy. By blanketing a tiny swathe (400km x 400km) of the world’s deserts with solar panels, enough low-carbon electricity can be produced to meet the energy requirements of the planet, according to its proponents. Wind and hydro power can be harnessed to offset any fluctuations in supply.
Pivotal to the success of the initiative is global connectivity, explained Climate Parliament – a UK-based organisation that has spearheaded the GGI project from its outset.
“To ensure a reliable supply of affordable, clean energy, new long-distance grids are needed to connect the most energy-rich locations, crossing borders and time zones. Meanwhile, mini-grids can help communities to harness their local energy resources, bringing electricity to off-grid villages, and ensuring a more resilient supply during the heat waves, storms and floods that are now striking all parts of the planet,” it stated.
To help support the delivery of the global project, the Green Grids Initiative has formed partnerships with a host of leading international organisations promoting green energy causes. It includes the ‘One Sun One World Grid (OSOWOG) representing a government-to-government coalition with a Ministerial Steering Group co-convened by India and the UK. Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas will be represented as well.
A declaration adopted by global leaders in support of the Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid partnership last week affirms the following: “Realizing One Sun One World One Grid through interconnected green grids can be transformational, enabling all of us to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement to prevent dangerous climate change, to accelerate the clean energy transition, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts can stimulate green investments and create millions of good jobs. By sharing the sun’s energy, we can help to build a more peaceful and prosperous world.”
Joining Oman in the endorsement of the declaration were Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Maldives, Netherlands, Nepal, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, UAE, Ukraine and Venezuela, among other countries.
As reported by the Observer on October 24, 2021, the One Sun One World One Grid initiative envisions, among other things, the construction of an undersea power cable connecting India’s west coast with the Sultanate of Oman. The roughly 1,000km long HVDC link will enable the export of surplus green electricity generated by solar and wind-based renewable energy projects due to be established in Oman over the coming years.
