Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced deadline extensions for various activities under the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) plan. The deadline for the pre-bid meeting has been extended till June 22, from June 5, 2020, that for the submission of proposals from July 6, 2020 toJuly 22, 2020. The deadline for submission of questions has been extended from June 15, 2020 to June 29, 2020.
In May 2020, the government made a significant move by issuing a request for proposal for the plan to develop a roadmap and implementation plan. There are three stages planned for OSOWOG. The first phase aims to interconnect the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia. The second phase will connect solar and other renewable energy resource rich regions, while the third phase aims for global interconnection of the power transmission grid. As per the document, an interconnected grid would help participating entities in attracting investments in renewable energy sources as well as utilising skills, technology and finances. Further, the proposed integration would lead to reduced project costs, higher efficiencies and increased asset utilisation for all participating entities.