With the technology for long distance transmission of electricity developing apace, and green grids as an area of focus for COP26, what are the potential benefits of inter-country, inter-regional and possibly even inter-continental trade in renewable energy? And what are the challenges or risks?

This event, held in Glasgow during the first week of COP26, drew together a panel of researchers and policy makers looking at this issue from climate, resource allocation, financial, economic and technical perspectives. The panel, together with a live interactive audience, explored:

• Nepal – a policy maker’s view of why cross border renewable electricity trade is important

• Can interconnections between national grids contribute to system resilience – the case of South Asia and the COVID pandemic

• Procuring renewable power – what have we learnt from experience in Africa, Asia and Latin America about the most effective processes for procuring affordable and reliable renewable power?

• What is technically possible – the technical and economic potential for intercontinental connections between India and the Gulf States

• Considering environmental and social issues – is connecting to the areas of highest renewable generation potential always the best approach?

• COP26 and green grids – how are these ideas translating into concrete action?

View the full event here.