Beyond Transition: Building Secure, Resilient, Inclusive, and Intelligent Energy Systems
8-11 June 2026 | ADB Headquarters, Manila
As energy systems become more digitally dependent, the imperatives of intelligence and security become inseparable. This session examines the role of artificial intelligence, robust data infrastructure, and cybersecurity frameworks as essential and mutually reinforcing pillars of modern energy systems.
Presenters will address the paradox at the heart of AI and energy—where data centres increase electricity demand yet AI tools applied to renewable forecasting, grid optimisation, and demand management can be among the most powerful enablers of clean energy integration in ASEAN; how autonomous energy systems based on core automation and AI require a fundamental reimagining of grid protection and planning as deterministic algorithms designed for synchronous generation become insufficient; how coordinated data sharing across power system actors is central to realising the vision of a dynamic, customer-responsive distribution system; and why operational technology cybersecurity in energy systems must now contend with AI-accelerated threats that move faster than conventional defensive controls were designed to handle.
Introduction
Session Moderator: Jamila Amodeo, ADB
Scene Setting
Sujata Gupta, ADB
Presentation: Autonomous Systems for Energy Transformation Based on Core, Automation and AI
Od Naidu, Hitachi Energy Research
Presentation: AI to unlock the next wave of renewable integration in ASEAN
Lam Pham, Ember
Presentation: Enabling the Smart Grid Through Data Coordination, Analytics and AI
Debbie Lew, Energy Systems Integration Group
Presentation: Enabling Data Management in Modern Energy Systems
David Moran, Arup
Presentation: The Red Queen in the Control Room
Ken Gau, Dragos
Panel Discussion
Q&A
Jamila Amodeo
Senior Energy Specialist, Asian Development Bank
Sujata Gupta
Director, Asian Development Bank
Od Naidu
Senior Principal Scientist, Hitachi Energy
Lam Pham
Energy Analyst, Ember
Debra Lew
Executive Director, Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG)
David Moran
Principal, APAC Digital Services, Arup
Ken Gau
Principal Industrial Consultant, Dragos, Inc.