Plans for an international network of solar power grids have been announced at the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

The “One Sun One World One Grid” initiative is intended to connect the power supplies of 140 countries so that solar power can be shared between them and directed to those that need it. The project is lead by the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which launched at COP21, and backed by 80 ISA member countries.

The backing countries co-signed a declaration that “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.”

The COP26 conference is currently being held in Glasgow, Scotland, with delegates attending from all over the world. The conference runs until November 12th.

ISA intends to mobilise the equivalent of $1 trillion USD of funding by the year 2030, to help developing countries to expand their solar grids and move towards fully clean energy generation.

The One Sun One World One Grid initiative will help developing countries to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources by allowing them to buy cheap solar power from other countries connected to the grid.

Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi said: “One Sun, One World & One Grid will not only reduce storage needs but also enhance the viability of solar projects. This creative initiative will not only reduce carbon footprints and energy cost but also open a new avenue for cooperation between different countries and regions.

“The One Sun One World One Grid and Green Grids Initiative is an idea whose time has come. If the world has to move to a clean and green future, these interconnected transnational grids are going to be critical solutions.

“I congratulate the International Solar Alliance and the UK COP Presidency for bringing it nearer to implementation.”

The first phase of the project is planned to connect solar grids across the Middle East, South and South-East Asia. The second phase will focus on African interconnectivity.

“This network has the potential to be a modern engineering marvel, and a catalyst for effectively mitigating climate change in the next decade,” said ISA Director General Dr. Ajay Mathur.