Operations Session: Deployment of Innovative Financing Schemes in Emerging Sectors and Technologies

Operations Session

Deployment of Innovative Financing Schemes in Emerging Sectors and Technologies

Wednesday, 4 June 2025

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (GMT +8)

As the energy transition accelerates, emerging technologies and sectors beyond traditional solar and wind power are gaining importance in decarbonization efforts. Technologies such as sustainable aviation fuel, offshore wind, battery energy storage systems, and green hydrogen present unique financing challenges due to their early-stage development, higher perceived risks, and complex implementation requirements. This session will explore how innovative financing instruments, blended finance approaches, and risk mitigation strategies can be tailored to address these challenges, enabling the scaling of these crucial technologies across ADB's developing member countries.

AGENDA

Moderator: Cindy Cisneros Tiangco, Director Energy, SD1, ADB

4:00 - 4:05 p.m.

Opening Remarks

Craig Roberts, Senior Advisor, Private Sector Operations Department, ADB

4:05 - 4:35 p.m.

Keynote Introduction: Key Energy Technologies that are Shifting the Energy Transition Landscape and the Role of Private Investment in Scaling Up Their Deployment

What are some of the new energy technologies that are gaining traction in DMCs and why is private investment needed? Which of these new technologies hold the greatest potential to accelerate the energy transition in the region? What unique opportunities and challenges do these sectors present compared to more established renewable energy technologies? What are the key technological, regulatory, and market challenges currently limiting the growth of these emerging energy sectors? How can private investment be mobilized to support the upscaling of innovative energy solutions?

Peter Warren, Accelerate-to-Demonstrate (A2D) Facility Manager, UNIDO

4:35 - 5:05 p.m.

Panel Discussion

How have recent developments in your sector (e.g., policy changes, technological advancements) impacted investor confidence and project viability? What specific financing needs or gaps exist for these emerging sectors that differ from traditional renewable energy projects? Given that earlier discussions covered financing design and implementation, how are these approaches being applied or adapted to newer technologies like sustainable aviation fuel or offshore wind?

Panelists:

Yeon Su Kim, Senior Investment Specialist, PSIF2, ADB

Saurabh Kaura, Senior Investment Specialist, GSU, Blended Finance Team, PSOD, ADB

Mudit Parashar, CFO, Green Hydrogen and Ammonia, ACME

Jussi Ahonen, Head of Venture Capital, Asian Development Bank (ADB)

5:05 - 5:25 p.m.

Q&A with Audience

5:25 - 5:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Craig Roberts, Senior Advisor, Private Sector Operations Department, ADB