Empowering the future: Clean energy innovations, regional cooperation and integration, and financing solutions.
2 – 6 June 2025 | ADB Headquarters, Manila
ACEF 2025 Speakers
ALL SPEAKERS
Sergio Quiros Navas
United Nations Development Programme
Sergio Quiros Navas
United Nations Development Programme
Bio
Sergio Quiros Navas is a Regional Technical Advisor at UNDP, where he leads sustainable energy and transport initiatives across Asia and the Pacific. With over a decade of experience at UNDP, UNEP, IDB, and CAF, Sergio has worked across Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific to mobilize climate finance, develop low-carbon infrastructure projects, and support energy access and resilience. He has authored flagship reports on climate finance and electromobility, advised on policy and regulatory frameworks, and led the design of innovative energy projects ranging from strengthening distribution and transmission networks to electric mobility . Sergio holds extensive experience bridging technical design with policy and finance to accelerate just energy transitions in developing countries.
Shaji KV
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
Shaji KV
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
Bio
Mr. Shaji K. V. has been serving as the Chairman of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) since December 2022. With over 30 years of experience in the financial sector, his career spans commercial banking, rural banking and development finance. He has held several key leadership roles, including Deputy Managing Director of NABARD, Chairman of a Regional Rural Bank and General Manager at a commercial bank. At NABARD, Mr. Shaji has been pivotal in establishing the Climate & Sustainability vertical and spearheading major initiatives such as the creation of a Data Warehouse, digitisation of banking supervision, process re-engineering, revamping project finance and enhancement of risk management systems. He also conceptualised a landmark scheme for the computerisation of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies. Prior to his tenure at NABARD, he spent 26 years at Canara Bank—one of India’s largest commercial banks—where he served in various strategic roles. As Head of Strategy, Planning, and Business Development at the bank’s Corporate Office, he successfully led the amalgamation of Syndicate Bank into Canara Bank. Mr. Shaji has more than a decade of experience serving on the boards of several prominent organisations, including the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Ltd., and Canara Bank Securities Ltd. He also served as the Chairman of Kerala Gramin Bank, then the largest Regional Rural Bank in the country, and led the Asia Pacific Rural Credit Association (APRACA). Additionally, he has chaired numerous expert committees set up by the Government of India on rural and cooperative banking. Academically, Mr. Shaji holds a postgraduate degree in agriculture, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) in Public Policy and Infrastructure Finance from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, and a Diploma in Treasury, Investment & Risk Management. He is also a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance and an NSE Certified Market Professional (NCMP).
Sharmine Si Min Tan
The Boeing Company
Sharmine Si Min Tan
The Boeing Company
Bio
Sharmine is the Regional Sustainability Lead (Southeast Asia) for The Boeing Company. She drives aviation climate policies that accelerate the scaling of sustainable aviation fuels, and regulatory frameworks that support multi-sectoral collaboration for energy transition (to renewables, hydrogen, electric, etc.). Covering public policy issues in the areas of aviation environmental and chemical policies, national climate policies, sustainability disclosure developments and the broader environment, social, and governance (ESG).For over a decade, Sharmine has been actively contributing to policy shaping and steering businesses towards the 2050 global net-zero goal. Prior to joining Boeing, Sharmine was the Sustainability Lead at the National University of Singapore’s Centre for Governance and Sustainability. She led climate change and sustainability consultancy and research projects in the Asia-Pacific region, across 11 industries and 14 countries. Sharmine has also served as an Environment Lead at the Singapore Environment Council, driving the execution of pivotal national transformative programs and the Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards.Sharmine holds a Masters in Environmental Management from the National University of Singapore. She was conferred a Scholar and Valedictorian at the University of Queensland, Australia with a Bachelor in International Hotel and Tourism Management, with a specialization in sustainability.
Shinichi Kihara
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan
Shinichi Kihara
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan
Bio
Shinichi Kihara was appointed in July 2023 as the Director-General for International Policy on Carbon Neutrality. Mr. Kihara has rich experience in the area of international energy/ climate policy. He served as Deputy Director-General for Environmental Affairs in 2021, and took the lead for the G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment in Sapporo. He served as Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs at Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) in 2020. He served as Director for International Affairs at ANRE in 2012, when he led the work for the G7 Kitakyushu Energy Ministerial in 2016. He was also involved in energy related work including the International Affairs Division in 2004 and Nuclear Power Safety Administration Division in 1998. Mr. Kihara served as Senior Energy Analyst at the International Energy Agency (IEA)in Paris in 2009. He contributed to the flagship publication, World Energy Outlook.Mr. Kihara joined METI in 1993, He has diverse experience serving various offices in the METI, including Director for Policy Planning and Coordination Division of Trade Policy Bureau, Director for Middle East and Africa Division and Americas Division. His experience also covers the area of economic cooperation, export control and others. Mr. Kihara earned a Bachelor of Economics from University of Tokyo in 1993. He earned a MBA in 1998 from Cornell University, USA.
Siddartha Ramakanth Keshavadasu
Nangia & Co. LLP
Siddartha Ramakanth Keshavadasu
Nangia & Co. LLP
Bio
Siddartha Ramakanth Keshavadasu is a seasoned clean energy expert with a decade of experience at the intersection of renewable energy, risk management, and regulatory strategy. With a background in Mechanical Engineering (B.Tech), an MBA in Power Management, and ongoing Ph.D. research focused on risk management in solar project development, Siddartha has led renewable energy initiatives across 6 African nations—including Kenya, the DRC, Cote D'Ivoire, and Egypt—as well as 4 Asian countries, notably India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Indonesia.He has contributed to over 2 GW of renewable energy capacity across the entire value chain, from policy formulation to project execution. His work spans collaborations with private equity funds, state-owned utilities, and international development partners to design investable frameworks that align clean energy projects with Net Zero pathways.Currently an Associate Director at Nangia & Co. LLP, Siddartha also brings thought leadership through two authored books and multiple research publications. His insights into scaling up private sector participation and building resilient institutional capacity have informed energy transitions in emerging markets across Asia and Africa.He is deeply committed to mobilizing climate-aligned investments across Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), ensuring no region is left behind in the global clean energy transition.
Siddartha Ramakanth Keshavadasu
Nangia Andersen LLP
Siddartha Ramakanth Keshavadasu
Nangia Andersen LLP
Bio
Siddartha Ramakanth Keshavadasu is a seasoned clean energy expert with a decade of experience at the intersection of renewable energy, risk management, and regulatory strategy. With a background in Mechanical Engineering (B.Tech), an MBA in Power Management, and ongoing Ph.D. research focused on risk management in solar project development, Siddartha has led renewable energy initiatives across 6 African nations—including Kenya, the DRC, Cote D'Ivoire, and Egypt—as well as 4 Asian countries, notably India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Indonesia.He has contributed to over 2 GW of renewable energy capacity across the entire value chain, from policy formulation to project execution. His work spans collaborations with private equity funds, state-owned utilities, and international development partners to design investable frameworks that align clean energy projects with Net Zero pathways.Currently an Associate Director at Nangia & Co. LLP, Siddartha also brings thought leadership through two authored books and multiple research publications. His insights into scaling up private sector participation and building resilient institutional capacity have informed energy transitions in emerging markets across Asia and Africa.He is deeply committed to mobilizing climate-aligned investments across Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), ensuring no region is left behind in the global clean energy transition.
Simon Rolland
International Energy Agency
Simon Rolland
International Energy Agency
Bio
Simon Rolland has over 17 years of experience leading the implementation of projects and programmes across emerging and developing countries.He currently serves as Programme Manager for Southeast Asia at the International Energy Agency (IEA), where he oversees political engagement and programme coordination with the region. Prior to joining the IEA, Simon was Director of GIZ’s energy portfolio in Thailand, leading several bilateral and regional technical cooperation programmes supporting the energy transition in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.Simon has also held key roles internationally, including managing a regional multi-donor energy access programme in Rwanda and serving as Energy Programme Manager for the European Union in Ghana. Earlier in his career, he was Director of the Alliance for Rural Electrification, a business association promoting off-grid and mini-grid renewable energy solutions in emerging markets.
Sonal Agarwal
Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I), EY
Sonal Agarwal
Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I), EY
Bio
Sonal is an Associate Partner in the Energy Transition team at EY, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of renewable energy in Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, she leverages her deep expertise to guide both public and private sector clients in navigating the complexities of Energy Transition. With a strong focus on renewable energy projects, Sonal is supporting transformative investments in the region as a financial advisor. Her extensive network among investors and lenders enables her to provide critical insights into the opportunities and challenges that shape the Energy Transition landscape, empowering stakeholders to scale up their initiatives effectively.
Sonam Tshering
Department of Energy Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan
Sonam Tshering
Department of Energy Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan
Bio
Sonam Tshering is a Principal Engineer at the Department of Energy under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Government of Bhutan. He has been with the energy sector of Bhutan for over 18 years dealing with policy formulation, feasibility study of hydropower projects, hydropower pricing and facilitation of allocation of hydropower resources to project developers. He has a master’s degree in Energy Planning and Policy from the University of Technology Sydney and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the College of Science and Technology, Bhutan.
Sonam Zam
ADB
Sonam Zam
ADB
Bio
Experienced Civil Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. Skilled in Project Management, Renewable Energy Engineering, Hydropower Development, and People Management. Strong academic and technical background with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the College of Science and Technology, Bhutan, and a Master’s in Engineering Studies with an endorsement in Renewable Energy from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.
Sougata Sarkar
Confederation of Indian Industry
Sougata Sarkar
Confederation of Indian Industry
Bio
An Electrical Engineer and Energy Auditor with 17 years of experience in energy efficiency, climate change, and sustainability projects. Proven expertise in collaborating with government bodies such as BEE, EESL, DISCOMs, and SDAs to implement energy-saving measures and promote sustainable energy practices. Conducted energy audits in over 40 plants, identifying areas for improvement in energy usage, leading to measurable cost savings and sustainability improvements. Delivered training programs to over 500professionals, facilitating the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices. Provide strategic advisory services on energy management practices, helping organizations achieve energy efficiency certifications and compliance.
Srinivas Sampath
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Srinivas Sampath
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Bio
Dr. Srinivas Sampath is the Director for Emerging Business Areas within the Water and Urban Development Sector Office at ADB, with over 29 years of global experience in infrastructure development and investment banking across 45 countries. He brings a unique blend of expertise from ADB’s PSOD, OPPP/OMDP, and sovereign operations, delivering integrated, product-agnostic solutions. He pioneered ADB’s PPP transaction advisory business in 2011 and co-founded the Office of PPP in 2014. He has led several key initiatives, including the creation of an urban climate resilience fund with DFID and the Rockefeller Foundation in 2013, and a sustainable infrastructure debt platform with HSBC, Temasek, and Clifford Capital in 2021. Currently, he leads the Emerging Areas team, focusing on sustainable tourism, municipal financing, affordable housing, and other cross-cutting urban themes. Dr. Sampath holds a PhD in Economics from UCL and master’s degrees in Urban Planning and Geography.