Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, India is preparing to invite bids for the global solar power grid programme

• India started taking suggestions from the World Bank to implement it’s global electricity grid plan.
  
• Narendra Modi recently proposed a global grid plan and suggested investing billions of dollars to develop infrastructure projects including railway networks, power grids in Africa, Europe and Asia.
  
• According to media reports, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has called for a pre-bid meeting on June 5.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is inviting proposals to bid for Narendra Modi’s ambitious plan to develop solar energy supply across borders under ‘One World One Sun One Grid” programme.

Narendra Modi recently proposed a global grid plan and suggested investing billions of dollars to develop infrastructure projects including railway networks, power grids in Africa, Europe and Asia.

“This is by far one of the most ambitious schemes undertaken by any country and is of global significance in terms of sharing economic benefits," a senior government official told live mint.

According to media reports, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has called for a pre-bid meeting on June 5.

The Ministry will be evaluating proposals and selecting the firms. These consulting firms are requested to send their proposals along with financial and technical proposals — online. The deadline to submit queries will be June 15.

The invitation for bidding comes at a time when there’s tension between India and China.

India started taking suggestions from the World Bank to implement it’s global electricity grid plan.

The plan is divided into three phases. The first phase developing interconnection between Middle East-South Asia - Southeast Asia (MESASEA) to share green energy sources. The second phase involves connecting MESASEA with African power pools. Lastly, the third stage deals with global interconnection.

“An interconnected grid would help all the participating entities in attracting investments in renewable energy sources as well as utilizing skills, technology and finances. Resulting economic benefits would positively impact poverty alleviation and support in mitigating water, sanitation, food and other socioeconomic challenges," the RFP said


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