The Green Grid Initiative was launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. The purpose of this initiative is to accelerate the global deployment of solar energy and promote the adoption of interconnected solar power grids across nations.

The Green Grid Initiative aims to establish a network of interconnected solar grids that can effectively transmit renewable energy across borders. This would enable countries with abundant solar resources to generate surplus clean energy and transfer it to nations that may have a higher energy demand but limited renewable resources. By improving the connectivity and integration of solar grids, this initiative aims to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon energy system on a global scale.

Regarding the second part of your question, it seems that the idea of interconnected solar power grids was not specifically floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) prior to the launch at COP26. The ISA itself, formed in 2015 and officially launched at the Paris Climate Conference (COP21) in 2015, primarily focuses on promoting solar energy deployment and facilitating solar projects, particularly in countries located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. However, the idea of interconnected solar grids aligns with the broader goals of ISA to expand renewable energy use and promote solar resource utilization.

The Green Grid Initiative (GGI), launched at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021, aims to facilitate the development of a global network of interconnected renewable energy grids. This network would connect countries and regions, allowing them to share clean energy resources and bolster their energy security.

The idea of a global green grid was first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2018. The ISA, established by India and France, is a coalition of solar-rich countries focused on promoting solar energy deployment.

Key Objectives of the Green Grid Initiative:

• Accelerate the deployment of renewable energy: The initiative aims to unlock the potential of renewable energy sources by enabling the seamless flow of energy across borders.
• Promote energy security: By diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the initiative seeks to enhance energy security for participating nations.
• Foster regional collaboration: The Green Grid Initiative encourages collaboration among countries to develop and implement shared energy infrastructure.
• Support sustainable economic development: By promoting clean energy solutions, the initiative contributes to sustainable economic growth and job creation.

The GGI is still in its early stages of development. However, it holds significant potential to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future and achieve global climate goals.

It is important to note that the Green Grid Initiative is not a single, unified project but rather a framework that brings together various initiatives and actors to achieve the shared objective of building a global green grid. The initiative relies on the collaborative efforts of governments, private sector companies, and international organizations to implement its goals.

The Green Grid Initiative, also known as the "One Sun, One World, One Grid" (OSOWOG) initiative, was launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. The primary purpose of this initiative is to create a global grid that connects different regions and time zones, enabling the efficient and cost-effective sharing of solar power across the world.

The idea of OSOWOG was first floated in 2018 during the first assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which was launched by India and France in 2015. The ISA is an international organization that aims to promote solar energy cooperation among its member countries.

The OSOWOG initiative aims to overcome the intermittency of solar power generation by creating a global grid that can supply power across different regions and time zones. This would enable countries to tap into the solar power generated in other regions, reducing the need for fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The benefits of OSOWOG include:

1. Increased global access to clean energy
2. Reduced dependence on fossil fuels
3. Decreased greenhouse gas emissions
4. Improved energy security
5. Enhanced economic benefits through cooperation and trade

The initiative aims to achieve its goals through a phased approach, starting with the creation of regional grids that can eventually be interconnected to form a global grid. The OSOWOG initiative has received support from several countries, including the UK, Australia, and France, among others.