Deep Dive Workshop
Resilient Energy Systems Against Extreme Weather Events
Wednesday, 4 June 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (GMT +8)
Increasingly frequent extreme weather events are posing unprecedented challenges to global energy systems, impacting every stage of the entire energy value chain, including fuel supply, electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and energy demand. The rising frequency and intensity of these events are testing the resilience of energy infrastructure, altering generation potential, reducing efficiency, and shifting demand patterns. These disruptions threaten energy security and sustainable development, particularly in many developing countries across Asia and the Pacific, where energy systems are already strained by rising demand, limited financial resources, and aging infrastructure. Despite the growing urgency to enhance energy resilience, action remains critically insufficient, leaving energy systems highly vulnerable.
This deep-dive workshop aims to raise awareness of the latest findings and insights for building the resilience of energy systems against extreme weather events. It will explore cutting-edge models and tools for assessing climate risks in the energy sector and present their impacts through real-world examples. Participants will discuss strategies to strengthen resilience, covering various measures, including investments, technical and structural improvements, energy source diversification, energy efficiency enhancements, and innovative technologies. The workshop will also highlight ongoing efforts for capacity building and the development of resilient policies, including national strategies, roadmaps, standards, and knowledge exchange. By the end of the workshop, participants will gain scientific knowledge and practical insights for enhancing the resilience of energy systems. The workshop will serve as a catalyst for adopting innovative and forward-thinking approaches to secure a resilient energy future.
AGENDA
9:00 - 9:10 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Toru Kubo, Senior Director, ADB
9:10 - 9:20 a.m.
Introduction of the Workshop with Scene-Setting Presentation
Jinsun Lim, Climate Change Specialist, ADB
9:20 - 9:30 a.m.
Group Photo
9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Discussion 1: Are extreme weather events an increasing concern?
Moderator: Jinsun Lim, Climate Change Specialist, ADB
Michiya Hayashi, Senior Researcher, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan
Extreme Weather and Climate Events in a Changing Climate
Madhurima Sarkar-Swaisgood, Deputy Chief of Disaster Risk Reduction, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
Climate risk and resilience analytics in Asia and the Pacific
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Discussion 2: How do extreme weather events affect energy system resilience?
Moderator: Jinsun Lim, Climate Change Specialist, ADB
Henri Paillere, Head of Planning and Economic Studies Section, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Impacts of Extreme Weather Events on Electricity Generation
Wil Smith, Regional Manager of Southeast Asia and India, EPRI
Impacts of Extreme Weather Events on Electricity Grid Resilience
10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00 - 11:40 a.m.
Discussion 3: How can we strengthen resilience through investments and systemic changes?
Moderator: Arghya Sinha Roy, Director Climate Change, ADB
Len George, Principal Energy Specialist, ADB
Resilience Through Investments and Systemic Changes - Climate-Resilient Energy and Water
Selena Jihyun Lee, Energy Specialist, World Bank
Resilience Through Investments and Systemic Changes
Jhan Chan, Australasia Energy Transmission and Distribution Technical Leader, Arup
Resilience Through Private Sector's Engagements - Southeast Asian Energy Transmission and Distribution
11:40 - 12:20 p.m.
Discussion 4: How can policies and capacity building activities support building resilient energy systems?
Moderator: Arghya Sinha Roy, Director Climate Change, ADB
Atty. Rachel Anne Herrera, Commissioner, Climate Change Commission, Philippines
Philippines' Efforts to Build Resilient Energy Systems
H.E. Chhe Lidin, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Cambodia
Cambodia's Efforts to Build Resilient Energy Systems
Ana Diaz, Program Manager, International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Standards and Capacity Building for Resilient Energy Systems
12:20 - 12:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Noelle O'Brien, Director Climate Change, ADB
SPEAKERS
Toru Kubo
Senior Director, ADB
Henri Paillere
Head of Planning and Economic Studies Section, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Len George
Principal Energy Specialist, ADB
Selena Jihyun Lee
Energy Specialist, World Bank
Jhan Yhee Chan
Southeast Asia Energy Transmission and Distribution Leader, Arup
Ana Diaz
Program Manager, International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
H.E. Chhe Lidin
Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Mines and Energy
Arghya Sinha Roy
Director Climate Change, ADB
Wil Smith
Regional Manager, India & SE Asia, EPRI
Michiya Hayashi
Senior Researcher, National Institute for Environmental Studies
Jinsun Lim
Climate Change Specialist, ADB
Madhurima Swaisgood
Deputy Chief of Disaster Risk Reduction, UNESCAP
Rachel Anne Herrera
Commissioner, Climate Change Commission, Philippines