Johnson and Modi want to lead a global solar alliance

By better connecting the power networks of different countries, renewable energy can be transmitted between surplus areas to areas where there is a shortage of electricity – with great climate benefits as a result. This is the idea behind the so-called “Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid”, a new initiative put forward by Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Narendra Modi on Tuesday during the current COP26 climate, respectively. Negotiations in Glasgow.

Supported by more than 80 countries

More than 80 countries support the initiative, which is described as a way for countries in the north of the world to help reduce their emissions and achieve the goal of controlling global warming to 1.5 degrees.

In a joint proclamation called the “Solar Declaration,” the delegates wrote, “All the energy that mankind uses in a year is comparable to the energy that reaches the earth in an hour from the sun. The sun never sets – half the earth bathes in the sun every hour. By trading, we can provide enough energy to meet the needs of everyone on earth.

A committee of ministers is to be appointed

In connection with the presentation, it was stated that a ministerial committee consisting of representatives from France, the United States and countries in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia would be appointed to study what large photovoltaic power plants and wind farms would look like. Configured and connected to global power networks. However, it is not yet clear how the expansion of the power networks will be funded.

Earlier this week, Modi announced that India was targeting net zero emissions by 2070. Although the date is a long way off, it is seen by many as a step forward – the first time India has pledged a net for a year. Zero emission.

The absence of Chinese and Russian leaders from the climate summit in Glasgow is also seen as a positive sign.

Ready to reduce emissions

According to Julie Court, Senior Vice President, Fixed Investment, Impex Asset Management, announcements show that India is ready to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions as long as countries in the global north support the bill.

“If India is left to its own devices, that country will build coal plants,” Julie Cordy told Reuters.