Empowering the future: Clean energy innovations, regional cooperation and integration, and financing solutions.
2 – 6 June 2025 | ADB Headquarters, Manila
Speakers
ALL SPEAKERS
Aditya Lolla
Ember
Aditya Lolla
Ember
Bio
Aditya leads Ember’s work in Asia. He is responsible for developing Ember’s strategy in Asia, building Ember’s data-led research portfolio on the region and leveraging it to empower organizations across the region to accelerate clean energy transition.He is incharge of building the research portfolio and outreach activities along with being a the main spokesperson in the region for Ember.In other roles prior to Ember, he managed large renewable power projects that covered about 50,000 homes in India and led on a World Bank funded project to develop new bioenergy technologies. He also holds a Master of Public Policy from University of Oxford and an MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems from the University of Edinburgh
Aiming Zhou
ADB
Aiming Zhou
ADB
Bio
Aiming Zhou currently is the Deputy Country Director in ADB's PRC Resident mission since April 2023. He was the Senior Advisor to the Vice President (Operations 1) at Asian Development Bank (ADB) from January 2020 to April 2023．He supported VP for operations in the South Asia Department and the Central and West Asia Department and committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable regions.He was a Principal Energy Specialist and a Senior Energy Specialist in Energy Division of South Asia Regional Department (SAEN) of ADB from 2016 to 2019. Before joining SAEN, he was a Senior Energy Specialist (2013-2015) and an Energy Specialist (2009-2012) in Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, where he oversaw ADB's clean energy activities, coordinated ADB's efforts in clean energy development, climate change mitigation and provided technical support to ADB's energy related operations in low carbon development. From 2011-2015, Aiming Zhou served as the chairperson of Asia Clean Energy Forum.
Akilur Rahman
Hitachi Energy India
Akilur Rahman
Hitachi Energy India
Bio
Akilur Rahman, Hitachi Energy - CTO (India) and Market Innovation Lead (South Asia), is leading technology, digitalization and innovation towards the market and customers in India and supporting market innovation in south Asia. Has more than 36 years of experience in research, R&D, technology management, engineering, consulting business and product development in power, automation and digital technologies. With a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, Akilur has held various international and global roles in India, Germany and Switzerland including head of global collaborative production management, engineering, and cyber security in process/industrial automation. Was responsible for building up ABB’s global automation software product and system R&D in India. Led ABB corporate research center and technology in India with focus on power, automation, robotics, analytics, AI-ML, Industry 4.0, Industrial IoT and digitalization. Previously held the role of CTO - ABB India. In the current Hitachi Energy, Akilur has been leading core, automation and digital technologies for power, energy and asset performance management in utilities, industries, infrastructure, and transport sectors. Co-creating the concepts and applications of smart electric grid, energy internet, smart cities, sustainable electric mobility, smart production, digital enterprise, carbon-neutral energy future, ESG and CSR. With the mission of faster time to market of technologies, Akilur is connecting policy makers, market, customers, industry bodies and stakeholders in India and South Asia with Hitachi Energy and Hitachi businesses to plan and collaborate on energy transition and digital transformation. Akilur has been a thought leader/speaker and panelist at various international and national conferences.
Aldrin Calderon
Mapua Univer
Aldrin Calderon
Mapua Univer
Bio
Dr. Aldrin Calderon is a distinguished expert in Energy and Sustainability. He earned his Ph.D. in Energy Engineering from the University of the Philippines and completed a post-graduate in Sustainability under the United Nations University - Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan.Currently serving as the Dean of the School of Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Energy Engineering at Mapúa University, Dr. Calderon is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of energy engineers. He actively engages across the public, private, and development sectors, working as a Technical Expert for various government agencies (DOE, DENR, DOST, CHED) and as a Consultant for UNDP and UNIDO projects related to energy efficiency, clean energy technologies, and climate adaptation.A returning speaker in ACEF, Dr. Calderon has led initiatives in energy management, smart grid development, and policy formulation, playing a pivotal role in the Philippines' transition toward a low-carbon, AI-integrated energy future. His latest work focuses on future-proofing energy education, ensuring that AI and digital transformation become integral components of the Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering program.
Ali Mohammed
Community Connect
Ali Mohammed
Community Connect
Bio
Ali Mohammed is a clean energy and project implementation expert with over eight years of experience advancing renewable energy, climate resilience, and inclusive development across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Pacific, and Asia. He currently serves as the Business Development and Partnerships Lead at Community Connect, where he supports the deployment of the COMET platform, an interactive toolkit for community-driven energy planning in off-grid areas.Ali has led diverse donor-funded initiatives with organizations such as GIZ and the EU, managing multi-million-dollar renewable energy programs focused on rural electrification, solar mini-grids, and sustainable energy access. He has also contributed to clean cooking solutions, vocational training in solar PV, and national energy policy advocacy.A passionate advocate for climate justice and community empowerment, Ali brings a strong track record of stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and strategic project design. He is dedicated to unlocking regional cooperation to accelerate equitable energy transitions.
Alma Roxas-Aguila
Corio Generation
Alma Roxas-Aguila
Corio Generation
Bio
Alma Roxas-Aguila is a visionary leader with 20 years of expertise in the renewable energy industry, driving groundbreaking projects and spearheading strategic investments across Asia. Her journey began in 2005 administering a private equity investment for the 33 MW NorthWind Bangui Bay Wind Project, the first wind farm in Southeast Asia, setting a benchmark for renewable energy in the region.Building on this success, Alma served as Corporate Project Manager for the 54 MW Pililla Rizal Wind Project under Alternergy, where she played a pivotal role in EPC selection, financing, and regulatory compliance. Her ability to navigate complex development processes positioned her as a trusted leader in delivering large-scale renewable projects.Alma’s expertise propelled her into key leadership roles, including Vice President Project Acquisitions Asia at Mainstream Renewable Power Ltd. and First Vice President at Aboitiz Power Corporation where she explored and evaluated investments opportunities in the renewable energy sector in the Asia Pacific region. She now leads Corio Generation Philippines as Country Head and manages five offshore wind projects.Her academic credentials underscore her commitment to excellence. Alma earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics with a specialization in Actuarial Science and Statistics from De La Salle University. She also completed major units for a Master’s Degree in Applied Mathematics at the University of the Philippines and a Project Management Course at the Asian Institute of Management, equipping her with a robust foundation in leadership and technical expertise.With a remarkable track record in renewable energy development and investment, Alma continues to lead with passion, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions for a brighter future.
Ann Margret Francisco
Global Wind Energy Council
Ann Margret Francisco
Global Wind Energy Council
Bio
Ann Francisco is a seasoned energy industry professional with over 17 years of expertise across the power sector, including wind, hydro, and solar energy. Having worked extensively in both the public and private sectors, Ann has a strong track record in project development, market trading, and policy advocacy. Her leadership is particularly notable in renewable energy, where she focuses on advancing offshore wind initiatives in the Philippines, driving regulatory frameworks, and fostering strategic collaborations with stakeholders. Currently serving as the Country Manager for the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) in the Philippines, Ann actively shapes industry policies and contributes to the growth of the renewable energy sector.
Anna Piwowarska
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Anna Piwowarska
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Bio
Anna Piwowarska is a project manager and consultant in sustainable energy and international affairs. She holds a Master’s degree in International Management from the Kyiv National Economic University and is an alumni of the Warsaw School of Economics (program on Functioning of Energy Markets). She works for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (Sustainable Energy Division), Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as well as in several private companies, advising authorities and market players on different issues, including energy market reforms, information technologies for utilities, etc. The spheres of her expertise are: energy policy analysis, energy transition, digital transition, strategic management, project and programme management.
Ansang Yoon
Korea South East Power Co.(KOEN)
Ansang Yoon
Korea South East Power Co.(KOEN)
Bio
Education Background : Master(Civil Engineering)Jan 2005 ~ Jan 2010 : KOEN Assistant Manager / 800MW Yecheon Pumped Storage Power Plant(Supervising on Detail Design, Construction and Milestone Payment)Jan 2010 ~ Apr 2012 : KOEN Senior Manager / Overseas HPP DevelopmentApr 2012 ~ May 2015 : NWEDC Managerial Director / 216MW UT-1 HPP in Nepal(Project Development and Management)May 2015 ~ Dec 2019 : KOEN Senior Manager / Pakistan Gulpur HPP, Nepal UT-1 HPPDec 2019 ~ Dec 2021 : KOEN General Manager Dec 2021 ~ Jul 2024 : KOAK CEO / 229MW Asrit-Kedam HPP in Pakistan(Project Development and Management)Jul 2024 ~ Current : KOEN General Manager / Overseas HPP & Hydrogen Projects
Arghya Sinha Roy
ADB
Arghya Sinha Roy
ADB
Bio
Arghya Sinha Roy supports the implementation of ADB’s climate adaptation and resilience priorities and targets by supporting client governments in strengthening policies, plans and investments. Arghya has more than twenty years of international experience in the field of climate and disaster resilience, especially in the context of supporting national and local governments in advancing inclusive resilience considerations into development policy; spatial, socioeconomic and fiscal planning; infrastructure planning and design; and social development and livelihood interventions. Arghya holds a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning.
Atsumasa Sakai
ADB
Atsumasa Sakai
ADB
Bio
Atsumasa Sakai is primarily responsible for spearheading emerging technologies and practices in the energy sector. He led the development of Mongolia's first utility-scale battery station project and is leading regional cooperation initiatives to enhance grid stability in the wake of increasing share of renewable energy sources across Central Asian countries. Currently, he directs pioneering studies, including Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), the ASEAN Power Grid, and the energy storage initiative throughout Asia and the Pacific. Prior to joining ADB, Mr. Sakai, an MIT graduate, gained valuable experience working at the World Bank and a prominent Japanese power utility.
Atty. Jose M. Layug Jr
DivinaLaw
Atty. Jose M. Layug Jr
DivinaLaw
Bio
Atty. Jose M. Layug, Jr. or “Jay” is currently a Senior Partner at Divina Law Offices. He is the President of the Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent, Inc. (DREAM), the umbrella organization of all renewable energy associations in the Philippines. He is also a director of the Philippine Energy Research & Policy Institute (PERPI), an independent energy think-tank created by law. He is also the Co-Chair of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee, European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP). He recently served as Chairman of the National Renewable Energy Board from 2016-2018. Jay was the Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) from 2010-2012 and headed the Renewable Energy Management Bureau, Energy Resources Development Bureau, Energy Utilization Management Bureau, Oil Industry Management Bureau and Legal Services. He was primarily responsible for the revival of various sectors in the Philippine energy sector with the successful launching of the National Renewable Energy Program, the Philippine Energy Contracting Rounds for Petroleum and Coal and the Public Transport Assistance Program of Pantawid Pasada. Prior to his DOE position, Jay was a Senior Counsel for the Negotiations and Legal Department of the Australian Strategic Business Unit of Chevron Corporation and served as the Malampaya Legal Manager of Chevron Malampaya LLC located in Manila, Philippines from 2007-2010. As Chevron counsel, he received the first ever William T. Coleman Award in 2008 – the highest recognition given by Chevron Corporation to a Chevron in-house counsel worldwide – besting all other Chevron lawyers worldwide. Before joining Chevron, Jay acted as international legal consultant of the Asian Development Bank and was a Senior Associate at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan handling banking and finance, project development and financing relating to mining, energy, power and transportation industries. From 2000-2002, Jay practiced law in New York and worked as a Foreign Lawyer at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York. Jay served as the Dean of the University of Makati School of Law and a professor of law. He teaches Philippine Project Development and Finance, Banking, Property, Administrative Law, Local Government and Sales to law students since 2002 at the University of the Philippines College of Law. Jay has published works and is a contributor to the following publications: (a) Capital Asia, published in Hongkong by ISI Publications Ltd. and (b) In-House Briefing, Asia-Pacific, published in Hongkong by Pacific Business Press. Jay obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Economics with cum laude honours in 1992 and his Bachelor of Laws (1996) from the University of the Philippines. He finished his Master of Laws degree with honours in 2000 (fall semester) from Cornell Law School in New York, USA. Jay is licensed to practice law both in the Philippines (since 1997) and in New York (since 2000) having passed both Philippine and New York State bar examinations.