Why in news
- India and Saudi Arabia held bilateral talks to advance the proposed cross-border electrical grid interconnection and technical cooperation.
Key terms
EHV Transmission
Extra High Voltage power transmission systems operating above 230 kV designed to minimize line losses over long distances.
OSOWOG
One Sun One World One Grid initiative led by India to interconnect global renewable energy grids.
Grid Code
A set of technical parameters and operational rules that facilities must satisfy to connect to the electric power network.
Interconnection
Physical tie-lines connecting adjacent electrical grids to allow mutual transfer of power.
What is the Initiative?
- A bilateral power-grid linking project designed to connect the electricity transmission grids of India and Saudi Arabia.
- Aims to exploit time-zone differences and peak-demand variations to trade surplus renewable energy between South Asia and the Gulf region.
Key Focus Areas and Technical Cooperation
- Cooperation in Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission systems for long-distance subsea and land power transfer.
- Technical alignment on managing high grid penetration of intermittent renewable energy and updating regional grid codes.
- Formulating power supply strategies to cater to the energy-intensive demand of emerging data centres.
Why it matters
- Complements India's One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) vision to create an interconnected global green energy grid.
- Enhances energy security by balancing regional peak loads and reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based grid stabilization.
Prelims facts
- EHV transmission systems operate at voltages exceeding 230 kV to optimize long-distance electricity transfer.
- OSOWOG aims to harness solar energy across global time zones via interconnected regional grids.
Mains discussion
- Role of cross-border grid interconnections in solving the intermittency challenge of renewable energy.
- Strategic significance of energy diplomacy in deepening India-GCC bilateral relations.
Source: PIB
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2023 · Q94 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II : The 'Arab Peace Initiative' Mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?