Deep Dive Workshop: A Flexible and Distributed Power System: Storage, Grids, and Interconnectors

This deep dive session will provide a practical and interactive discussion building on lessons from the UK's clean energy transition and development work that can support ADB's developing member countries in scaling up renewable energy infrastructure, grid modernisation, and financing solutions.

The session will feature UK and regional experts discussing key policy frameworks, technological innovations, and investment strategies that have driven the UK's success in decarbonising its power sector while ensuring energy security and economic growth. It will also draw on our development work and use of development finance, including through platforms like Gridworks.

The workshop will be structured into two focused segments, each addressing a critical aspect of clean energy infrastructure development:

Scaling Clean Energy Infrastructure – Lessons from the UK's Clean Energy Transition and our development work (e.g. through platforms like Gridworks and Ayrton Fund), including a look at Policy and Market Innovations and key lessons learnt that can be applied in Asia
Clean Power 2030 Mission – a forward look at emerging policy and market innovations and potential funding strategies that could introduce greater flexibility in energy systems

AGENDA

11:00 - 11:05 a.m.

Opening Remarks: Mission Clean Power 2030: Tripling Offshore Wind and Solar, Doubling Onshore

Rhiannon Harries, Deputy Trade Commissioner

11:05 - 11:15 a.m.

Unlocking Flexibility: Can We Build a Truly Flexible Power System? The Evolution of the UK Power System: Integrating Greater Share of Renewables and Clean Power by 2030

Andrew Lever, Carbon Trust

11:15 - 11:25 a.m.

The Evolution of Southeast Asia's Power Systems: An Overview of What a Flexible Power System in Southeast Asia Could Look Like, Including Navigating Seasonal and Intraday Variability in RE Generation

Simon Rolland, Program Manager, IEA

11:25 - 11:35 a.m.

A Whole-Systems Transition in the Philippines: Creating the Conditions for Flexibility. The Role of Policy and Market Rules in Scaling Up Battery Storage, Pumped Hydro, and Smart Grid Technologies

Louise Dan Figuracion, Senior Research Specialist, Power Planning and Development Division, Philippines Department of Energy

11:35 - 11:50 a.m.

Panel Session: How Ready is the Technology? Scaling the New Wave of Clean Technologies. Case Studies and Best Practices on Offshore Wind, BESS Technology and Distributed Energy Sources

Moderator: Richard Burch, Head of Clean Energy for UK Department for Business and Trade

Panelists:

Jovy Gill, Chief Executive Officer, Altilium Green Energy

Alma Roxas-Aguila, Country Director and Head of Philippines, Corio Generation

Michael Connolly, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

11:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Fireside Chat: Financing and De-risking the Next Wave of Energy Assets

British International Investment (BII) and National Grid Ventures

Myo Zin, British International Investment

12:00 - 12:15 p.m.

Bringing it All Together: Operating a Resilient and Flexible Power System. The Role of Interconnectors in a Resilient and Secure Energy System

Perspectives from the UK National Grid