Background
If Alexander Graham Bell were alive today he wouldn’t recognize our telecommunications systems, but if Thomas Edison were alive he would certainly recognize the grid… because the vast majority of the world’s transmission and distribution (T&D) systems use the same design that became mainstream when Edison was still alive. The energy transition is not going to happen fast enough without rapid evolution of T&D systems. Renewable energy development is almost exclusively focused on electricity production and use, and new renewable capacity and output can not be readily brought online unless transmission capacity and efficiency increases rapidly. Climate resilience and cybersecurity are integral to 21st century T&D systems.
T&D systems need to become smarter, more flexible, more resilient to climate change, and more secure against cyber attacks. Multiple “smart grid” technologies are available, including but not limited to high voltage direct current (HVDC) system, high-temperature / low-sag (HTLS) conductors, dynamic line ratings (DLR), on-grid energy storage (ESS, including pumped hydropower), digital control systems for automation and cybersecurity, etc. Policy and regulatory roadblocks to the universe of smart grid options need to be identified and addressed in order to mobilize the financing to accelerate the necessary T&D evolution. “There’s money for the project if there’s a project for the money” and policy-makers and regulatory agencies have to facilitate project identification, development, and implementation.
Objectives
- Understand what’s already proven and available “off the shelf” for smarter T&D systems to facilitate the energy transition.
- Identify policy and regulatory roadblocks and solutions.
- Identify financing solutions and opportunities for commercial investment and private sector participation in T&D systems in ADB DMCs.
AGENDA
2:00 - 2:05 p.m.
Opening Session
ADB introduction/welcome Jiwan Acharya or ADB SDSC-ENE
2:05 - 2:15 p.m.
Keynote Address / Scene Setting
Sadie Cox, Director, International Strategic Partnerships, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), USA
2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Technical Solution
Moderator: Derina Man, NREL
- Automation, Digital Systems, Dynamic Line Ratings, and Cyber Security
Fei Ding, NREL
- HTLS Conductors for Climate Resilience and Mitigation in High-voltage Transmission Systems
- 21st Century Storage Technology
Colin Steley, Stratcon Philippines
- Digital Grids for Cleaner Transport - and Everything Else
Juergen Bender, Bender-IS Co. Ltd
Panel Discussion / O&A (30 Mins)
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Coffee Break
4:00 - 5:25 p.m.
Regulatory, Policy and Financing Solutions
Moderator: Lorraine Akiba
- Policy and Regulatory Issues 1
Marc Matsuura, Sr. Smart Grid Program Manager, University of Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
- Policy and regulatory issues 2
Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta, Chairman, Philippines Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), or
Sharon Montaner, Director, Market Operations Services, Philippines ERC
- Financing – examples from ADB portfolio with blended / climate change financing; Nepal, Bangladesh
Lei ZHANG, Project Administration Unit Head, East Asia Department, ADB
- Financing – new options to crowd in private sector participation, e.g., O&M contracts with incentives for capacity and efficiency improvements.
Panel Discussion / O&A (30 Mins)
5:25 - 5:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
ADB
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