Countries have tried different approaches to develop their electricity transmission and distribution grids. With fast growing renewable energy capacity spread across many regions, the process has become more complex. Nevertheless, some developing countries have been able to solve the challenges by deploying well designed approaches to market-based trading and regular industry engagement. What are the successful case studies? What are the resources and legal framework needed? What is the role of vertically integrated electricity companies, transmission and/or distribution companies? How can independent power producers be involved in planning stages? How can planning improve private sector investment decisions?

This session will address critical aspects of governance and strategic planning for electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure. Due to accelerating demand for reliable and sustainable energy delivery systems, policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders, and planners face significant challenges in ensuring the resilience, efficiency, and affordability of T&D networks. Presentations in this session will include work by the World Resource Institute on integrated resource planning to meet ambitious renewable energy targets in India; a deep dive by Electricité de France (EDF) into coping mechanisms for handling variable renewable energy (VRE) deployment in the Asia-Pacific region, with case studies from Singapore, Japan, and Australia; an update on how the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) is taking a forward-looking approach and embracing modern technologies intending to transform and future-proof its power grid. Participants in this session will gain insights into optimizing power procurement, enhancing grid stability and managing VRE, and leveraging modern technologies to ensure resilient and sustainable power grids for the Asia and Pacific region.