Dear Shri Prahlad Joshi,
Hon’ble Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India,
Subject:
Proposal for Interconnecting National Transmission Networks to Optimize Solar
Power Sharing via International Solar Alliance
I hope this message finds you well. As India advances towards its ambitious target
of 472 GW of renewable energy capacity by FY 2026, I would like to propose a
transformative idea that could significantly reduce costs and enhance the
efficiency of solar power utilization globally, aligning with the objectives of the
International Solar Alliance (ISA).
The Challenge with Current Solar Power Systems
Solar power, while a cornerstone of the global clean energy transition, is inherently
intermittent, generated primarily during 4-5 hours of peak sunlight. This often
leads to surplus production during the day when demand is low, necessitating
costly grid-scale battery storage to meet evening and night-time demand. For
instance, recent reports highlight that energy storage systems are critical to
meeting clean energy targets, with India alone investing heavily in such
infrastructure. However, the high capital costs of battery storage—often running
into billions of dollars per country—pose a significant financial burden.
Additionally, reliance on imported battery components raises concerns about
supply chain stability, as emphasized by Shri Piyush Goyal in a recent statement
(ET, 11 July 2025).
A Vision for Global Grid Interconnection
Instead of each country investing in expensive captive battery storage, I propose
that the ISA spearhead an initiative to interconnect national transmission
networks across its member countries. This would enable the sharing of surplus
solar power generated during daylight hours in one region with regions
experiencing peak demand during their evening or night hours, leveraging time
zone differences. For example, when Europe generates excess solar power (as
seen with 45.4 TWh produced in June 2025 across the EU), it could be
transmitted to regions like India or Southeast Asia, where evening demand is
high. This concept aligns with the ISA’s “One Sun, One World, One Grid” vision,
articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and builds on initiatives like the
Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization
(GEIDCO).
Why Interconnection is Superior to Battery Storage
Cost Efficiency: Interconnecting transmission networks involves a fraction of
the cost of grid-scale battery storage. While battery systems require billions
in upfront investment and ongoing maintenance, interconnection
infrastructure, though not trivial, offers a one-time investment with long-
term benefits. The savings could be redirected to further renewable energy
expansion.
Resource Optimization: Solar power generation peaks at different times
across the globe. Interconnected grids would allow countries to share surplus
energy, reducing the need for storage and minimizing curtailment (e.g.,
negative electricity rates in France due to excess solar, ET, 11 July 2025).
Environmental and Strategic Benefits: Reducing reliance on battery
storage decreases the environmental impact of battery production and
disposal, while also addressing import dependence concerns raised by Shri
Goyal (ET, 11 July 2025). Interconnection promotes energy security through
collaborative infrastructure.
Scalability and Speed: Interconnection projects, such as regional grid
linkages, can be implemented faster than scaling up battery manufacturing
and deployment. The ISA’s existing framework, with its 100+ member
countries, provides a ready platform to coordinate such efforts.
Proven Precedents: The success of regional grid interconnections, such as
those in Europe, demonstrates the feasibility of this approach. The ISA’s
Scaling Solar E-Mobility & Storage programme already emphasizes
transmission connections for solar integration, providing a foundation to
expand this vision globally (www.icwa.in, 27 Oct 2023).
Call to Action
I urge you to champion this proposal within the ISA, leveraging India’s leadership
role as the host of this treaty-based organization. By facilitating discussions on
interconnecting national grids, the ISA can reduce strategic dependency on
battery storage, lower costs, and accelerate the global transition to renewable
energy. This initiative could be a flagship project under India’s commitment to
Sustainable Development Goal 7, ensuring affordable, reliable, and sustainable
energy for all.
I recommend the following steps:
Convene a technical working group under the ISA to assess the feasibility and
costs of interconnecting national grids, drawing on expertise from GEIDCO
and other global energy bodies.
Pilot a regional interconnection project among ISA member countries, such as
linking solar-rich nations in the torrid zone with high-demand regions in Asia
or Africa.
Advocate for funding mechanisms to support grid interconnection
infrastructure, potentially through multilateral development banks or ISA’s
Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre framework.
This proposal has the potential to save billions of dollars globally, enhance energy
security, and position India as a pioneer in the global energy transition. I am
confident that under your leadership, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
can drive this transformative agenda forward.
Thank you for considering this proposal. I look forward to your guidance on how
this vision can be realized through the ISA.
Yours sincerely,
Hemen parekh
www.IndiaAGI.ai / www.hemenparekh.ai / www.HemenParekh.in
hcp@RecruitGuru.com
References:
Economic Times, 11 July 2025: “Electricity Rates in France Hit Negative Rates”
Economic Times, 10 July 2025: “Storage System Must to Meet Clean Energy Targets”
Business Line, 10 July 2025: “India to Have 472 GW RE Capacity by FY 26 End”
Economic Times, 11 July 2025: “Energy Storage Cos Must Cut Import Dependence”
Indian Council of World Affairs, 27 Oct 2023: “International Solar Alliance: The Sun Never Sets”
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