Deep Dive Workshop: Resilient Energy Systems Against Extreme Weather Events

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

AGENDA

SPEAKERS

PRESENTATIONS