Draft:One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)
International initiative for electricity grid interconnections
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One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) is an international initiative proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advanced by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to facilitate regional and global electricity grid interconnections for the transmission of renewable energy across borders and time zones.[1]
The initiative is based on the principle that renewable electricity generated in one region can be transmitted to another through interconnected electricity grids, taking advantage of differences in time zones and electricity demand. The International Solar Alliance currently advances the initiative through its Programme on Regional and Global Interconnections.[2]
History
The concept of One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the inaugural Assembly of the International Solar Alliance in New Delhi on 2 October 2018.[3]
The initiative was conceived as a framework for facilitating regional and global electricity grid interconnections to enable the transfer of renewable energy across borders and time zones.
In 2020, India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy commissioned studies to develop a long-term vision, implementation plan and institutional framework for the initiative.
In October 2025, the International Solar Alliance launched the OSOWOG Programme on Regional and Global Interconnections and established an OSOWOG Secretariat to support implementation of the initiative.[4]
Objectives
According to the International Solar Alliance, OSOWOG seeks to facilitate cross-border transmission and trade of clean and affordable electricity through regional and global interconnections of electricity grids.[5]
The initiative aims to strengthen energy security, support the deployment of renewable energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, improve energy affordability and expand access to sustainable electricity.[6]
Proposed framework
The OSOWOG initiative is based on the concept that renewable electricity generated in one region can be transmitted to another through interconnected electricity grids, enabling the transfer of clean energy across time zones.[7]
The initiative has been envisaged in three phases. The first phase focuses on interconnections between the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia. The second phase envisages the integration of African power pools with these regional networks. The third phase aims to facilitate broader global electricity interconnections in pursuit of the One Sun One World One Grid vision.
The framework seeks to build upon existing and planned regional electricity networks, including the South Asian power system, the ASEAN Power Grid, the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority network and African power pools.
Programme on Regional and Global Interconnections
The Programme on Regional and Global Interconnections is a flagship initiative of the International Solar Alliance.[8]
The programme seeks to facilitate cross-border transmission and trade of clean and affordable electricity through regional and global electricity grid interconnections.
Its areas of focus include consensus-building among participating countries, development of policy and regulatory frameworks, advancement of trans-regional power system planning, promotion of new technologies for grid interconnections, knowledge sharing and capacity building, and development of financing mechanisms for grid infrastructure.
Challenges
The implementation of large-scale trans-regional electricity interconnections faces challenges including regulatory harmonisation, financing requirements, transmission infrastructure costs, cybersecurity considerations and coordination among multiple jurisdictions.
Additional challenges include geopolitical risks, differing electricity market structures and the need for long-term institutional arrangements to support cross-border electricity trade.
See also
- International Solar Alliance
- Cross-border electricity trade
- ASEAN Power Grid
- Super grid
- Renewable energy
- Energy security