South Asia Energy Sector Round Table
Reliable and Financially Viable Power Infrastructure in South Asia
Thursday, 5 June 2025
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (GMT +8)
AGENDA
Discussion Moderated by: Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, Former Secretary, Ministry of Energy Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal
11:00 - 11:10 a.m.
Welcome and Setting the Context
11:10 - 11:30 a.m.
Round 1: Financing the Distribution System of the Future
Key Questions: What is the estimated distribution CAPEX need in your country/region over the next 10 years? How is your government or utility approaching financing challenges? What models have worked or failed? What role should IFIs and climate financiers play?
11:30 - 11:50 a.m.
Round 2: Harmonization of Distribution Codes – Is There Any Value for It?
Key Questions: Are there elements of distribution code (e.g., interconnection standards, voltage quality, DER integration protocols) that can benefit from regional harmonization? Would harmonization help in DER trade, regional power pooling, or utility modernization? What are the political and technical barriers to harmonization?
11:50 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
Round 3: Emerging Technical and Operational Challenges
Key Questions: How are utilities preparing for distributed solar, EV charging, and demand variability? What digital innovations (smart metering, SCADA, etc) are being prioritized? What technical cooperation or regional initiatives would help? Financing requirements and solutions
12:10 - 12:30 p.m.
Wrap-Up and Key Take Away