Thematic Track 1

Session 1.2: Diversification of Energy Sources

Tuesday, 9 June 2026 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (GMT+8) Auditorium Hall 1 Organized by ADB

Energy security is fundamentally linked to diversification of fuels, technologies, and supply origins. This session examines how countries across the region are broadening their energy mix to reduce dependence on any single source and build long-term resilience. Presenters will share comparative assessments, policy analysis, and investment perspectives on the technologies best suited to support a more diverse and secure energy portfolio.

Discussion will cover the respective strengths and trade-offs of pumped storage hydropower and battery energy storage systems across different planning contexts, the accelerating momentum behind bankable solar-BESS hybrid systems and floating PV as clean energy becomes a national security imperative, and the evolving role of hydrogen in diversification and decarbonisation strategies—including current barriers to competitiveness and demand uptake across Asian markets.


  • 4:00 – 4:05 p.m.

    Introduction

    Session Moderator: Grayson Clapp, ADB

  • 4:05 – 4:16 p.m.

    Presentation: Waste-to-Energy for Land-constrained Nations, A Role Model: The 10MW Colombo Waste to Energy Power Plant in Sri Lanka implemented by Aitken Spence PLC

    Janitha Ekanayake, Western Power Company / Aitken Spence

  • 4:16 – 4:27 p.m.

    Presentation: The role of hydrogen in diversifying sources for the energy transition

    Chenmin He, Zhejiang University of Technology

  • 4:27 – 4:38 p.m.

    Presentation: Beyond Megawatts: Scaling Bankable Solar and BESS Hybrid Systems and the Rise of Floating PV Across Asia-Pacific

    Somesh Shah, AFRY Thailand Ltd.

  • 4:38 – 4:49 p.m.

    Presentation: Comparative Assessment of Pumped Storage Hydropower and Battery Energy Storage Systems

    Marcos Pujol, Lombardi Engineering Australia Pty Ltd

  • 4:49 – 5:10 p.m.

    Panel Discussion

  • 5:10 – 5:30 p.m.

    Q&A


GC

Grayson Clapp

ADB

Janitha Ekanayake

Janitha Ekanayake

Assistant VP – Operations, Western Power Company Pvt. Ltd.

Chenmin He

Chenmin He

Assistant Researcher, Zhejiang University of Technology

Somesh Shah

Somesh Shah

Manager – International Solar Business, AFRY Thailand Ltd.

Marcos Pujol

Marcos Pujol

Mechanical Engineer, Lombardi Engineering Australia Pty Ltd