Thematic Track 1: Policy Reforms for the Energy Transition

Achieving NDCs, net-zero commitments, and the SDGs within the shortest time frame requires coordinated and integrated action driven by strong policies. This thematic track will feature presentations and discussions around integrated energy transition pathways and strategic policies that countries are adopting to achieve their climate and development goals. Sessions in the track will also cover policy reforms and the institutional enhancements necessary for the energy transition and to stimulate action on NDCs at the regional, national, and local levels. Tentative titles for sessions in the track are:

Speakers in this session will discuss CO2 abatement scenarios for Vietnam’s power sector; skill development for Photovoltaic (PV) installers at the local level in Indonesia; and lessons learned by India from mapping government support and subsidies for different areas of the energy sector. Panelists will supplement this discussion by sharing lessons from international coal phase-out policies; and how some initial experiences from Singapore, the Philippines, and China can inform an approach to coordinating the retirement of old generating capacity with simultaneous entry of new low/zero carbon technologies and fuels.

Track Chair: Dr. Han Duo, Director, Duo Energy
Moderator: Xunpeng Shi, (Research Principal/Professor, Australia-China Relations Institute, University of Technology Sydney )

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
2:00 - 2:05 p.m. Introduction to the Session/Scene Setter

  • Dr. Han Duo, ACEF Track 1 Chair
2:05 - 2:10 p.m. Introduction to Speakers and Panelists

  • Xunpeng Shi Session 1.1 Moderator
2:10 - 2:40 p.m. Presentations (10 minutes per speaker)

    CO2 abatement scenarios for Vietnam’s power sector to 2030

  • Ms. Nhien Ngo, Executive Director, Vietnam Initiative for Energy Transition
  • The power sector is a key CO2 emitter in Vietnam and it is projected to be the most significant by 2030 as in the country’s Updated NDC. This study investigates the options for Vietnam’s power sector to reduce CO2 emissions based on the priority principle: energy security, affordability, and higher emission reduction. Four scenarios are developed and evaluated. A combination of power balance, hourly economic dispatch, and grid models are used to assess the supply and demand balance, and security of supply for a whole year at hourly resolution. Evaluated socioeconomics aspects include the system’s net present cost, the balance of payment, and jobs. Results show that Vietnam’s power sector could reduce emissions by 49% by 2030 compared to NDC’s BAU when improving energy efficiency measures, phasing out some aging coal power plants, increasing floating solar, onshore and offshore wind capacity, and enhancing the system’s flexibility and grid infrastructure

    Local government action in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) skill development to support national energy transition target in Indonesia

  • Ms. Queentries Regar, Director, PT Radiasi Karya Timur
  • The presentation will offer an understanding of how the provincial government of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) reacts to the Government of Indonesia’s renewable energy commitment and draws a link to their commitment to skill development programs to support green growth. The presentation will also provide a brief outlook on the market conditions in the province from the private sector perspective. In a nutshell, the presentation will discuss the opportunity for solar PV job creation and suggest recommendations for the NTT government in the efforts of adopting and expanding solar PV applications in their islands.

    Mapping Government Support for Energy Transition – Lessons from India

  • Ms. Swasti Raizada, Policy Advisor, International Institute for Sustainable Development
  • Carefully designed energy support measures—subsidies, public utilities’ investments, and public finance institutions’ lending—and government’s energy revenues play a key role in a country’s transition to clean energy. In India, over USD 77 billion of support was provided to the energy sector This session provides a framework for tracking a country’s progress towards its Net Zero targets and provides a detailed assessment of how aligned is India’s government support in reaching its Net Zero targets.

2:40 - 3:15 p.m. Panel Discussion

  • Ms. Nhien Ngo, Executive Director, Vietnam Initiative for Energy Transition
  • Ms. Queentries Regar, Director, PT Radiasi Karya Timur
  • Ms. Swasti Raizada, Policy Advisor, International Institute for Sustainable Development
  • Mr. Will Wright, Senior Consultant, Economic Consulting Associates
  • Mr. Liutong Zhang, Director, WaterRock Energy
  • Session Moderator: Xunpeng Shi
3:15 - 3:30 p.m. Q&A from the Audience and session wrap-up

  • Xunpeng Shi, Session Moderator

This session will begin with a presentation on the dire state of oceanic health and the importance of approaches such as regenerative marine aquaculture, cultivation and preservation of mangroves and reefs, and ocean-based renewable energy. This will be followed by a presentation on the market for battery storage and ancillary services in the Philippines; an energy transition “to-do” list for Indonesia; and a panel discussion covering “low-hanging fruit” approaches to achieving sustainable development goals and NDCs; and the potential for a packaged microgrid approach in the Philippines.

Track Chair: Dr. Han Duo, Director, Duo Energy
Moderator: Dr.Romeo Pacudan, Technical Director, Ricardo Energy & Environment

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
2:00 - 2:05 p.m. Opening Remarks/Scene Setter

  • Dr. Sungsup Ra, Chief Sector Officer, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Division, Asian Development Bank
2:05 - 2:10 p.m. Introduction to Speakers and Panelists

  • Dr.Romeo Pacudan, Session 1.2 Moderator
2:10 - 2:42 p.m. Presentations (8 minutes per speaker)

    We Live on Planet Sea

  • Dan Millison, Manager, Transcendergy LLC
  • If we don't save the ocean, we won't save the planet. We know how to save the ocean, but we are at more than 13 years behind schedule with respect to investing in ocean health. Governments with Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) need to prioritize SDG 14 above all other SDGs and lead development of projects which will crowd in private sector investment.

    Policy Enhancements for the Participation of Battery and Other Energy Storage Systems in the Electricity Market

  • Clares Loren Jalocon, Head Corporate Planning and Communications, Philippine Electricity Market Corporation
  • Introducing enhancements in the treatment in the energy market of battery and other energy storage systems (ESS) is geared towards maintaining the benefits of integrating renewable energy resources in the spot market, which include reduced market prices and an ample level of energy supply.
    The policy recommendations include protocols for ESS to contribute in ensuring the grid’s security and addressing the intermittency of variable renewable energy resources, and mechanisms that facilitate the effective monitoring of ESS compliance to the market rules.

    SDG/NDC target acquisition - "Low-hanging fruit"

  • Dan Renner, COB,Engine EcoPhils, Inc.
  • Sit tight and wait for technology that cannot be 100% implemented for some decades down the road while we let the current levels of pollution continue, slowly but gradually abated ~ Or ~ use the natural resources and technologies we have ~effectively~ right now while working on cleaner technologies for the future and reduce pollution greatly within a decade.

    Nationwide Microgrid Program, Off-grid packaged solutions in the Philippines

  • Antonio Ver, Co-chairman & CEO, Energies PH, Inc
2:40 - 3:15 p.m. Panel Discussion

  • Dan Millison, Manager,Transcendergy LLC
  • Clares Loren Jalocon, Head Corporate Planning and, Philippine Electricity Market Corporation
  • Maria Fritzie Vergel, Philippines Country Manager, Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP)
  • Dan Renner, COB,Engine EcoPhils, Inc.
  • Antonio Ver, Co-chairman & CEO, Energies PH, Inc.
  • Dr.Romeo Pacudan, Session Moderator
3:15 - 3:25 p.m. Q&A from the Audience

  • Dr.Romeo Pacudan, Session Moderator
3:25 - 3:30 p.m. Closing/Wrap-up

  • Dr.Romeo Pacudan, Session Moderator

Speakers and panelists in this session will address a range of case studies and issues related to national policy and government action in the Pacific. Topics of discussion will solar-battery hybrid power systems across the Pacific; economic dispatch of such systems in the Philippines; measures to promote renewable energy and resilience in the Federated States of Micronesia; the importance of an integrated approach to marine, terrestrial, and coastal issues related to waste and energy; and the fiscal consequences of phasing out fossil fuels.

Track Chair: Dr. Han Duo, Director, Duo Energy
Moderator: Prof. Jinlong Ma, Vice President, APEC Sustainable Energy Centre

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
10:30 - 10:35 a.m. Opening Remarks/Scene Setter

  • Samuel Tumiwa, Advisor, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department and Chief of Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations, Asian Development Bank
10:35 - 10:40 a.m. Introduction to Speakers and Panelists

  • Prof. Jinlong Ma, Session 1.3 Moderator
10:40 - 11:16 a.m. Presentations (12 minutes per speaker)

    Hybrid power and battery case studies in the Pacific

  • Chris Blanksby, Specialist Renewable Energy Engineer, Entura
  • The 17 Pacific small island developing states (PSIDS) are among the smallest and most remote countries in the world. Many PSIDS have set ambitious targets for renewable energy uptake in the electricity sector. This presentation draws on over 50 case studies for solar-battery hybrid developments funded by the Asian Development Bank in the Cook Islands, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia and Tuvalu, which are each set to achieve greater than 70% of their electricity from renewable energy this decade.
    We will present the main features of these projects, their objectives, and key recommendations drawn from this experience, which include: information and guidance for decision makers on technical aspects of robust system design and implementation; impacts of development in safety, standards, and technology;, and opportunities within procurement to provide more flexible evaluation of bidders, stronger local support, and plan and manage the risks associated with co-ordinating multiple works packages.

    Powering The Federated States of Micronesia to an Exciting Future

  • Bruce Robins, Energy Sector Advisor, Department of Resources and Development
  • FSM is highly exposed to the ravages of Climate Change, including sea level rises, increased ocean acidification, more frequent droughts, flooding, and Hurricanes; The FSM has developed policies that will help to mitigate Climate Change by significantly reducing the importation and the burning of Fossil Fuels, improving the efficiency of Energy utilisation, Increasing the adoption of renewable energy both into the state utility grids and in remote island locations, and ensure the implementation of the FSM Energy Master Plan. An important objective of the Master Plan is to provide 24/7 reliable and sustainable electricity to all households and communities. By demonstrating FSM’s strong stance on Climate Change, it has highlighted the potential peril Pacific Ocean Nations will experience by the end of this century if global temperature rises are not constrained to less than 1.5oC by 2050. FSM faces a significant challenge of delivering electricity to people living on outer islands. At present, there is significant social and economic divide: people living on the four main islands enjoy almost universal access to the main electricity grids. By contrast, people on outer islands and in outlying communities have none. FSM is witnessing the effects of man-made Climate Change and bearing the financial impacts of these changes.

11:16 - 11:45 a.m. Panel Discussion

  • Divina B. Chingcuanco, Chief Of Party, USAID Energy Secure Philippines (Esp) Activity, RTI International
  • Chris Blanksby, Specialist Renewable Energy Engineer, Entura
  • Bruce Robins, Energy Sector Advisor, Department of Resources and Development
  • Salil K Sen, Sustainability "Living Labs" Professor, Management Development Institute of Singapore.
  • Session Moderator: Prof. Jinlong Ma
11:45 - 11:55 a.m. Q&A from the Audience

  • Prof. Jinlong Ma, Session Moderator
11:55 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Closing/Wrap-up

  • Prof. Jinlong Ma, Session Moderator

Thematic Track 2: Innovative Low-Carbon Technologies

This thematic track will address low-carbon technologies that are shaping the energy transition, as well as new technologies that are emerging as energy systems evolve. This track will focus on how integrated planning for energy systems will ensure that these new technologies will work efficiently and optimally with existing structures. Sessions in the track will cover emerging concerns in the large-scale deployment of innovative clean energy technologies, including managing potential environmental impacts and enhancing the resilience of systems. Tentative titles for sessions in the track are:

This session will include speakers and panelists covering a range of low-carbon approaches and topics, including carbon capture and storage in oil & gas operations, development of a clean hydrogen hub in Australia, mini-grid development in Papua New Guinea, energy efficiency in Bangladesh, and a Japanese-led clean energy initiative for ASEAN.

Track Chair: David Morgado, Senior Energy Specialist, ADB
Moderator: Kelly Hewitt, Principal Energy Specialist, ADB

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
02:00 - 02:05 p.m. Introduction to the Session

  • David Morgado, ACEF Track 2 Chair
02:05 - 02:10 p.m. Introduction to Speakers and Panelists

  • Kelly Hewitt Session 2.1 Moderator
2:10 - 2:38 p.m. Presentations (7 minutes per speaker)

Japan's contribution to accelerating the deployment of cleaner energy and low carbon technology in the ASEAN region through Cleaner Energy Future Initiative of ASEAN (CEFIA)

  • Koji Takahashi, Deputy Director Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japan)

GIS analysis as a tool to spur market development in PNG

    • Garrick Lee, Off-grid Lead, USAID PNG Electrification Partnership

Mini-grid development in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is at a nascent stage but has shown some recent momentum via the development of the PNG Off-grid Regulations (to be adopted in the near future), inclusion in the National Electrification Rollout Plan, and recent investments by USAID and DFAT, among others. The USAID-PNG Electrification Partnership (USAID-PEP) is helping market participants understand opportunities for mini-grid development through GIS and market analysis exploring the viability of mini-grids across the entire country. The GIS analysis includes geolocated population data, socioeconomic data, energy resource information, and electrical grid data. Users can gain hyperlocal insights into the number of households and potential energy demand at a village level at any location in PNG. USAID-PEP has already collaborated with several stakeholders to use this GIS as well as a market assessment to inform potential investments, and will present the capability, use cases, and early lessons learned from this work.

Carbon Capture Storage and Asia Pacific's Pursuit of Low Carbon Economy

  • Li Ping Yu, General Manager Deal Execution Asia Pacific, Shell

Energy Efficiency & Conservation Through Low-Cost Financing in Bangladesh

  • Shah Zulfiqar Haider, Technical Adviser Mitsubishi Research Institute
2:38 - 3:15 p.m. Panel Discussion

  • Garrick Lee, Off-grid Lead, USAID PNG Electrification Partnership
  • Li Ping Yu, General Manager Deal Execution Asia Pacific, Shell
  • Shah Zulfiqar Haider, Technical Adviser Mitsubishi Research Institute
  • Session Moderator: Kelly Hewitt
3:15 - 3:25 p.m. Q&A from the Audience

  • Kelly Hewitt, Session Moderator
3:25 - 3:30 p.m. Closing/Wrap-up

  • Kelly Hewitt, Session Moderator

Speakers and panelists in this session will cover a range of circular economy approaches, including for renewable energy equipment; the fashon value chain; battery re-use and re-fabrication; and anaerobic digestion and carbon capture. The session will also include discussion of decarbonization of heavy industry and an ADB tool for planning waste management systems and analyzing their environmental, economic, and social performance.

Track Chair: David Morgado, Senior Energy Specialist
Moderator: Cindy Cisneros Tiangco, Principal Energy Specialist

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
02:00 - 02:10 p.m. Introduction to the Session and Speakers/Panelists

  • Cindy Cisneros Tiangco, Moderator
02:10 - 02:30 p.m. Presentations (10 minutes per speaker)

  • Kelly Hewitt, Session 2.1 Moderator
2:10 - 2:38 p.m. Presentations (7 minutes per speaker)

    Circular Economies: A New Business Model to Power Development

  • Monica Simarmata, Energy Sector Associate, Tetra Tech
  • Setting up circular economies for renewable energy equipment, as a crucial part of the just energy transition, can boost economies by creating jobs and increasing productivity. USAID’s Scaling Up Renewable Energy (SURE) program is working to support a transition from a linear economy for renewable energy equipment to a circular economy. This presentation will make the case for a circular economy and explore how a circular economy is creating sustainable businesses and local jobs as well as cultivating economic opportunities throughout Asia.

    Technological Innovation for Deep Decarbonization of Heavy Industry

  • Peter Warren, Team Leader for Climate Innovation Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, UK
  • Industry represents ~40% of global energy consumption and achieving deep decarbonisation of heavy industries, such as iron and steel, cement and chemicals, requires a range of innovative technological solutions from circular economy approaches to fuel-switching to CCUS. Accelerating the commercialisation of such solutions is both a challenge and an opportunity, and the presentation will cover examples of what the UK is doing both domestically and internationally (through international climate finance) to support countries in Asia-Pacific to decarbonise industry.

2:30 - 3:15 p.m. Panel Discussion

  • Kajol K, Senior Manager, WRI India
  • Yu Tack Kim, Division Director Korea Battery Industry Association
  • Elias Towe, Chief Technical Officer, Orenko
  • Piya Kerdlap, Managing Director, PXP Sustainability
3:15 - 3:25 p.m. Q&A from the Audience

  • Cindy Cisneros Tiangco, Session Moderator
3:25 - 3:30 p.m. Closing/Wrap-up

  • Cindy Cisneros Tiangco, Session Moderator

Speakers and panelists in this session will discuss a micro-grid approach that has proven resilient for several years after a major typhoon in the Philippines; performance of battery energy storage systems; performance of a new heat exchanger tech in a chicken farm in Vietnam; assessment of climate risks and resilience using macroeconomic modeling; the role of fintech solutions in driving carbon neutrality in Indian MSMEs; and climate resilient energy systems for Southeast Asian island communities.

Track Chair: David Morgado, Senior Energy Specialist, ADB
Moderator: David Morgado, Senior Energy Specialist, ADB

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
10:30 - 10:40 a.m. Introduction to the Session and Speakers/Panelists

  • David Morgado, Moderator
10:40 - 11:10 a.m. Presentations (10 minutes per speaker)

    Reliable Renewable Energy Survives Typhoon and is the only Power for Kilometers

  • Michael Carroll, CEO, HeliosAltas Corp
    Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Grid Flexibility Asset of Today

  • Hanzel Cubangbang, Senior Market Applications Officer – SEA Fluence
  • The pursuit towards a Low-Carbon and Resilient Future is critical for our future. While technologies like Battery-based Energy Storage System (BESS) can address several grid challenges, they often dubbed as the more costly solution than traditional alternatives. But it is now becoming more known that BESS can be a more cost-effective solution if planned, coordinated and managed accordingly.

    Using waste heat from industrial wastewater in Vietnam

  • Tsuyoshi Shiga, Manager of International Business Promotion Section ASANO TAISEIKISO ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
  • The result of the TIC project will be presented to show the performance of an installed Polyethylene-made Heat Exchanger named “G-Hex” in a chicken processing factory in Vietnam. The system utilizes discarded thermal energy of cold wasted water for pre-cooling and proved its high performance.

11:10 - 11:45 a.m. Panel Discussion

  • Chi Dang Kim, CRED Vietnam
  • Katrin Lammers, Researcher, Reiner Lemoine Institute
  • Michael Carroll, CEO, HeliosAltas Corp
  • Tsuyoshi Shiga, Manager of International Business Promotion Section ASANO TAISEIKISO ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
  • Session Moderator: David Morgado
11:45 - 11:55 a.m. Q&A from the Audience

  • David Morgado, Session Moderator
11:55 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Closing/Wrap-up

  • David Morgado, Session Moderator

Thematic Track 3: Cross-Sectoral Applications for an Inclusive Energy Transition

The clean energy transition can unlock the cross-sectoral benefits of clean energy and advance progress toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Clean energy systems can deliver basic needs, support growing economies, and improve the socio-economic condition of many disadvantaged communities. Clean energy systems are critical for climate mitigation and adaptation as they enhance the resilience of highly climate-vulnerable nations and communities. The increase in demand for these systems will support clean energy SMEs and will increasingly open opportunities in high-value green jobs, especially for women. However, the large-scale deployment and scale-up of clean energy technologies and systems can be challenging, and innovative business models and financing will be needed. Tentative titles for sessions in the track are:

This session will include discussions and debate on topics such as solar-diesel hybrid systems in the Philippines; new business models for solar rooftop PV for SMEs (small businesses) and the residential sector in India; novel off-grid business models in Indonesia; renewable energy auctions can accelerate the uptake of renewable energy, and the resulting benefits to local communities; and citizen-driven renewable energy investment in South Korea, for a more-inclusive energy transition.

Track Chair: Cindy Cisneros Tiangco, Principal Energy Specialist, Energy Division, Pacific Department
Moderator: Emma Veve, Deputy Director General, Pacific Department

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
2:00 - 2:05 p.m. Introduction to the Session

  • Cindy Cisneros Tiangco, ACEF Track 3 Chair
2:05 - 2:10 p.m. Introduction to Speakers and Panelists

  • Emma Veve Session 3.1 Moderator
2:10 - 2:50 p.m. Presentations (10 minutes per speaker)

    “Kahayag sa Pamilacan Project”: A Model for an Inclusive Energy Transition

  • Charlie Ayco, President , WeGen Laudato Si', Inc.
    Sustainable Community Development through Renewable Energy and Joint Community Initiatives

  • John Mark Napao, President, Solar Hope
  • Energy is just one of the problems among the several challenges rural and marginalized communities in the Philippines are facing. However, Renewable Energy such as solar is a good entry point to have series of joint community initiatives with the community locals and multi-sectoral partnerships geared towards sustainable community development.

    Tapping Indonesian Last Mile Electrification Potential: Novel Off-grid Business Model Concepts

  • Bagus Mudiantoro, Policy Co-Director, Castlerock Consulting
  • Last miles electrification for rural areas in archipelagic countries bear the most challenge to electrify, as they are scattered, usually low-demand and uncertain in growth. In the case of Indonesia, the complexity adds as the task often pinned to PLN as a state-owned utility and rely to their network extension. Low participation of private sectors to take part in providing electricity for off-grid and rural areas are one of the factors as the implication of current challenging legal and regulatory set up. UK-Indonesia MENTARI Program analyses three possible new business models namely Joint Cooperation Contract, Regional Owned Enterprises-Private Partnership and Micro-IPP, including legal and regulatory gap, enabler, and opportunities. An alternative financing mechanism, contract for difference concept, is proposed to facilitate the financing gaps. As take away, direct subsidy to customer with auction and proper business model within the fits of government and PLN will enable services commercially to the marginalized area.

    Renewable Energy Auctions Accelerates The Transition To Clean Energy. Does The Transition Benefit Local Communities?

  • Ana Amazo, Managing Consultant, Guidehouse
2:50 - 3:15 p.m. Panel Discussion

  • Charlie Ayco, President , WeGen Laudato Si', Inc.
  • John Mark Napao, President, Solar Hope
  • Ana Amazo, Managing Consultant, Guidehouse
  • Bagus Mudiantoro, Policy Co-Director, Castlerock Consulting
  • Yunsoung Kim, Research Fellow, Green Energy Strategy Institute
  • Session Moderator:  Emma Veve
3:15 - 3:25 p.m. Q&A from the Audience

  • Emma Veve, Session Moderator
3:25 - 3:30 p.m. Closing/Wrap-up

  • Mukhtor Khamudkhanov, Director, Energy Division, Pacific Department

This session will cover topics such as the world's first future-proof and fully self-sustaining city, in the Netherlands; enhancing the role of women in the energy sector; skills development for off-grid solar PV development in Indonesia; and business opportunities for rice and rice husk value chains in Myanmar.

Track Chair: Cindy Cisneros Tiangco, Principal Energy Specialist, Energy Division, Pacific Department
Moderator: Cindy Bryson, Social Development Specialist, Social Sectors and Public Sector Management Division, Pacific Department

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
10:30 - 10:35 a.m. Introduction to the Session

  • Ananya Basu, Director Social Sectors and Public Sector Management Division, Pacific Department
10:35 - 10:40 a.m. Introduction to Speakers and Panelists

  • Cindy Bryson, Session Moderator
10:40 - 11:12 a.m. Presentations (8 minutes per speaker)

    Integrated self-sustaining city model

  • Tom Bosschaert, CEO, Except Integrated Sustainability
  • We are building a place that has never been seen in a time when the world desperately needs new solutions and a more a resilient future. Orchid City is the world's first self-sustaining city blueprint. Here, we reinvent how we coexist with nature and with each other. It goes beyond just being a beautiful place to live. It is a home for those who want to live happy, healthy lives in harmony with the environment and the community around them. Orchid City offers the first affordable, physically, socially, and environmentally sustainable city blueprint in the world. It uses currently available technologies and collaborates across global partnerships with those wanting to build a better future today.

    Enhancing Role of Women in Energy Sector

  • Reena Suri, Executive Director India Smart Grid Forum
  • Gender disparity is a persisting issue in the clean energy sector. Barriers exist that dissuade women from pursuing careers and leadership roles in the sector. There is a dire need to create awareness among public and private authorities on the added value and need to promote women’s leadership and participation in the development of the clean energy sector. As we are moving towards seizing the opportunities of energy transformation, creation of a gender-responsive clean energy ecosystem with growing opportunities for women to formally participate at all levels in the energy sector will be pivotal.

    Empowering women, youth and marginalized groups to co-design and take part in energy use and skill development in a Photovoltaic (PV) small-scale off-grid renewable

  • Dedy Haning, Demonstration Strand Lead, HIVOS
  • The presentation highlights the learning on MENTARI project in increasing women, youth and marginalized groups’ participation in the planning and implementation stage of the 95 kWp PV mini-grid in Central Sumba Indonesia. The presentation showcases tools and gender and inclusion interventions to increase participations of women, youth and marginalized groups to co-design activities and some part of system planning as well as to plan and benefit from capacity building programs e.g. technical and non-technical skills.

    Bridging agricultural livelihoods and energy access: Barriers and opportunities for rice and rice husk value chains in Labutta, Myanmar

  • Angela Minas, Research Associate, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, The University of Manchester
  • Reflecting on the results of our husk-to-energy research project, our aim is to encourage thinking about the role of energy in poverty alleviation. Here, we present the results of a collaborative research project that explored the intersection between agricultural livelihoods and energy access through an investigation of social networks in rice and rice husk value chains in rural farming communities in Myanmar’s Lower Delta. Rice production is an important agricultural activity in Myanmar. However, because of lack of access to electricity in many rural areas, rice farmers have limited opportunities to increase their income. For many off-grid communities, heat and electricity for household lighting and livelihood activities are provided through steam and electricity produced from combustion or gasification of rice husk. With an estimated over 3 million tonnes of rice husk produced every year, Myanmar has potential to utilise rice husk for income-generating activities and energy generation to support agricultural production and rural livelihoods. By mapping social networks in rice husk value chain in Labutta, Ayeyarwaddy Region, we identified actors and network structures that could play important roles in supporting energy access and increasing livelihood opportunities for smallholders. Our interviews and group discussions with farmers and millers also revealed important challenges and opportunities for rice husk bioenergy within rural farming communities.

11:12 - 11:55 a.m. Panel Discussion

  • Hans-Henning Judek, Executive Chairman, Verde Visions LLC
  • Reena Suri, Executive Director India Smart Grid Forum
  • Dedy Haning, Demonstration Strand Lead, HIVOS
  • Angela Minas, Research Associate, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, The University of Manchester
  • Session Moderator: Cindy Bryson
11:45 - 11:55 Q&A from the Audience

  • Cindy Bryson, Session Moderator 
11:55 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Closing/Wrap-up

  • Ananya Basu, Director Social Sectors and Public Sector Management Division, Pacific Department

Speakers and panelists in this session will discuss the vision of an independent, reliable, and flexible microgrid system that can provide green electrical power year-round, as well as cold storage services; the utilization of marine energy for electrification of off-grid areas and remote islands; experience with productive-use applications and mini-grids across India; renewable energy hybrid systems with seaweed in the Philippines; and a multi-actor partnership to spur the transition away from biomass and fossil fuels in Nepal.

Track Chair: Cindy Cisneros Tiangco, Principal Energy Specialist, Energy Division, Pacific Department
Moderator: Rico Hizon, Senior News Anchor, The Final Word and the Exchange, CNN Philippines

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
2:00 - 2:05 p.m. Introduction to the Session

  • Leah Gutierrez, Director General, Pacific Department
2:05 - 2:10 p.m. Introduction to Speakers and Panelists

  • Rico Hizon Session Moderator
2:10 - 2:42 p.m. Presentations (8 minutes per speaker)

    CAMBIO FUELS - Innovative microgrids with 24/7/365 reliable power supply in remote areas

  • Hans-Henning Judek, Executive Chairman, Verde Visions LLC
    Equity considerations to incorporate productive-use applications in Mini Grids

  • Lanvin Concessao, Senior Program Associate – Energy, World Resources Institute India
  • As of 2019, there were more than 14,000 mini grid projects implemented in India, by various organizations impacting numerous rural and remote communities that were devoid of access to electricity. These implementations have seen varying levels of success. However, there is a lack of evidence on equitable access to opportunities from the mini grids being implemented. To enhance mini-grids utilization, community engagement processes are essential to incorporate income generating opportunities especially to priority groups i.e., low-income and women community members. Such an engagement requires a tailored approach, based on the socio-economic and existing practices of the community, to create awareness on the application of productive uses. This presentation will highlight the engagement framework across multiple mini grids on formation of village level committees, sensitization, selection and implementation of appropriate productive-use appliances and recommendations for scaling utilisation of mini grids in other regions for equitable development.

    Towards an Inclusive Mindanao Energy Transition: RETS project

  • Romeo Montenegro, Assistant Secretary, Mindanao Development Authority
  • The United Nations Industrial Development Organization is currently implementing the Renewable energy technologies for seaweed value added in Tawi-Tawi (RETS) project, funded by the European Union. The project involves the installation of two (2) renewable energy hybrid systems in the islands of Sitangkai and Sibutu, Tawi-tawi, comprised of solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, diesel generators and smart energy management systems. Implementation of the project is strengthening linkages among public and private development partners in the region lead by the Mindanao Development Authority towards a sustainable Mindanao energy transition. The delivery of electricity is integrated with the delivery of community social and welfare services, provision of adequate water supply, and improving the local seaweeds industry, one of the main sources of livelihood in the province. RETS serves as a model for renewable energy solutions adding value in agriculture and demonstrates the importance of the water-energy-food nexus.

    Multi-Actor Partnership for Inclusive Energy Transition

  • Shovana Maharjan, Program Coordinator, Prakriti Resources Centre
  • Energy transition from biomass and fossil fuel to renewable energy is must to achieve Nepal’s target to achieve ‘net zero emission’ by 2045. The transition needs to be participatory and inclusive and requires multi-disciplinary outlook. Multi-actor partnership (MAP) for 100 % Renewable Energy is a platform of 40+ organizations and experts working on energy and climate change in Nepal to facilitate the policy dialogues for developing long-term transition processes to 100% RE. The partnership also provides the scientific knowledge, capacity-building measures and implementation expertise that is necessary for local planning for transition toward 100% RE. Through the facilitation of participatory knowledge-sharing workshops and by using state-of-the art modelling technologies, 100% RE scenarios develops which highlight possible transition pathways based on the current energy mix and planned energy projects (renewable and traditional). MAP will use the 100% RE scenarios to discuss necessary policy changes for a 100% RE future. This is important for Nepal to graduate from underdeveloped country to a middle-income developing country by 2026 following the low carbon development mechanism.

2:42 - 3:20 p.m. Panel Discussion

  • Hans-Henning Judek, Executive Chairman, Verde Visions LLC
  • Lanvin Concessao, Program Associate Energy World Resources Institute India
  • Romeo Montenegro, Assistant Secretary, Mindanao Development Authority
  • Shovana Maharjan, Program Coordinator, Prakriti Resources Centre
  • Session Moderator: Rico Hizon
3:20 - 3:25 p.m. Q&A from the Audience

  • Session Moderator: Rico Hizon
3:25 - 3:30 p.m. Closing/Wrap-up

  • Leah Gutierrez, Director General, Pacific Department

Thematic Track 4: Financing NDC Action

Financing and investment that are aligned with the Paris climate targets need to be mobilized in order to enable countries to implement energy transition activities and achieve their NDCs. The financing gap for implementing NDC action may have widened since many nations raised their NDCs at COP26 (the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties). For countries to achieve their NDCs, enhanced access to climate funds, domestic and international financing sources, and private sector engagement will be critical. Tentative titles for sessions in the track are:

This session will cover finance-related topics such as a national climate financing vehicle and ESG investing in Korea; blended finance for scaling up clean energy in Nepal; a venture capital model that uses patent licensing and intellectual capital to develop greater portability for technologies across borders; case studies of a cluster approach of green financing from the China; and the challenges of financing action on NDCs in Nepal.

Track Chair: Pil-Bae Song , Senior Clean Energy Advisor (Consultant), ADB
Moderator: Alfredo Bano Leal, Senior Energy Specialist, ADB

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
2:00 - 2:05 p.m. Introduction to the Session

  • Pil-Bae Song, ACEF Track 4 Chair
2:05 - 2:10 p.m. Introduction to Speakers and Panelists

  • Alfredo Bano Leal, Session 4.1 Moderator 
2:10 - 2:40 p.m. Presentations (10 minutes per speaker)

    National climate financing vehicle and ESG investing in Korea

  • Ick Jin, Director General for Economic Analysis, National Assembly Budget Office
  • Although the size of committed climate finance is increasing, it is far less than what is needed to implement NDC action. The Korean government has recently set up a national financing vehicle, climate response fund, to accelerate the flow of financial resources to NDC action. The fund aims to secure the financial resources needed to effectively respond to the climate crisis and promote the transition to a carbon-neutral society and green growth. We review issues in the fund's sustainability beyond initial capitalization. We discuss the potential to utilize a range of financial products to expand the conduit from ESG investing to climate finance. The presentation is closely linked to tackling climate change, building climate and disaster resilience, and enhancing environmental sustainability (among 7 Operational Priorities in ADB's Strategy 2030).

    Blended Finance for Upscaling Clean Energy in Nepal

  • Eva Kelly Oberender, Interim DG Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP)
  • The Austria-Nepal Renewable Energy Blended Finance Facility employs innovative financing mechanisms for local renewable energy projects and provides capacity building activities for key stakeholders to upscale clean energy in Nepal and achieve environmental, social and gender co-benefits through the use of a blended finance instrument (the first ever Credit Guarantee Fund in Nepal) and local capacity development.

    Closing the NDC Fund Gap: Private-Public Sector Cross-Border Venture Capital Funds

  • Fred Chang, Managing Director, Qomo Capital Partners
  • By employing an intellectual property-driven investment and deployment approach, low carbon innovations can be rendered more portable across borders to APAC; adoptable for rapid deployment and scale-up; and less capital intensive. Presentation will discuss successful cases and share their Key Factors for Success to suggest applicability for further adoption throughout APAC.

2:40 - 3:15 p.m. Panel Discussion

  • Ick Jin, Director General for Economic Analysis, National Assembly Budget Office
  • Eva Kelly Oberender, Interim DG Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP)
  • Fred Chang, Managing Director, Qomo Capital Partners
  • Yixin Yao, Senior Research Fellow, Asian Development Bank Institute
  • Pradeep Bhattarai, Program Officer, Prakriti Resources Centre
  • Session Moderator: Alfredo Bano Leal
3:15 - 3:25 p.m. Q&A from the Audience

  • Alfredo Bano Leal, Session Moderator
3:25 - 3:30 p.m. Closing/Wrap-up

  • Alfredo Bano Leal, Session Moderator

This session will cover the power of transparency to promote competition and scale-up of private sector investment in clean energy; the importance of models to enable private finance in power grid transmission development in Asia; a review of the drivers of private investment in renewable energy by source of financing; case studies of structured finance to scale up adoption of decentralized energy and climate solutions; and a newly developed guide that can help translate existing climate commitments into an investment pipeline and an enabling environment that will unlock private finance.

Track Chair: Pil-Bae Song , Senior Clean Energy Advisor (Consultant), ADB
Moderator:Jiwan Acharya, Principal Energy Specialist, ADB

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
10:30 - 10:40 a.m. Introduction to the Session, Speakers and Panelists

  • Jiwan Acharya, Session 4.2 Moderator
10:40 - 11:10 a.m. Presentations (10 minutes per speaker)

    Enabling private finance in power grid transmission development

  • Randi Kristiansen, Economic Affairs Officer, UN ESCAP
  • In order to achieve mid-term sustainable development goals and long-term Net Zero Emission goal investment in the power sector needs to increase significantly. This includes investment in grids in order to facilitate the integration of variable renewable energy. Transmission grids in the Asia-Pacific region are mostly financed by the public sector, however in order to reach the needed levels of investment all sources of finance must be unlocked. In this presentation we will look at different models that could allow for private finance in the transmission sector, what is needed to implement them and examples of where they have been applied.

    Financing green energy: Unlocking private investment in renewable energy

  • John Beirne, Vice-Chair of Research and Senior Research Fellow, Asian Development Bank Institute
  • The drivers of private investment in renewable energy are assessed by source of financing, namely asset finance, corporate R&D, public markets, and venture capital and private equity. In particular, controlling for macroeconomic and financial market conditions, the role of public policies on renewable energy (public investment in R&D, feed-in-tariffs, and tax incentives) in leveraging private investment is examined for a sample of Asian and other economies.

    Case studies: Structured finance to scale up adoption of decentralized energy and climate solutions

  • Marga Manzo, Investment Director, SunFunder
11:10 - 11:45 a.m. Panel Discussion

  • Randi Kristiansen, Economic Affairs Officer, UN ESCAP
  • John Beirne, Vice-Chair of Research and Senior Research Fellow Asian Development Bank Institute
  • Marga Manzo, Investment Director, SunFunder
  • Session Moderator:  Jiwan Acharya
11:45 - 11:55 a.m. Q&A from the Audience

  • Jiwan Acharya, Session Moderator
11:55 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Closing/Wrap-up

  • Jiwan Acharya, Session Moderator

Speakers and panelists in this session will discuss greening corporate supply chains through reform of energy policy; a globally-harmonized database for standardized sustainability reporting; circular economy case studies from an agro-processing facilities in the Philippines; and a regulatory roadmap for more efficient and affordable streetlighting in Viet Nam.

Track Chair: Pil-Bae Song , Senior Clean Energy Advisor (Consultant), ADB
Moderator: Dr Peter Du Pont, Managing Partner, Asia Clean Energy Partners

Program

Time (Manila) Activities
2:00 - 2:10 p.m. Introduction to the Session, Speakers and Panelists

  • Peter Du Pont, Session 4.3 Moderator
2:10 - 2:40 p.m. Presentations (10 minutes per speaker)

    Greening corporate supply chains through RE policy reform

  • Dana Kenney, Project Director, Energy, Abt Associates, Inc.
  • Surbhi Singhvi, WBCSD
  • The presentation will cover the analysis, technical assistance, and capacity building provided by USAID’s Clean Power Asia program between 2016 and 2021 to promote changes in policies and regulations that would enable a significant increase in DPV investment, especially by corporations.

    Gender-responsive renewable energy fund for a LDC

  • Sourajit Aiyer, Vice President- auctusESG
    Role of Fintech solutions in driving carbon neutrality in Indian MSMEs

  • Nisha Menon, Chief Consultant, DESL
2:40 - 3:15 p.m. Panel Discussion

  • Dana Kenney, Project Director, Energy, Abt Associates, Inc.
  • Surbhi Singhvi, WBCSD
  • Sourajit Aiyer, Vice President- auctusESG
  • Nisha Menon, Chief Consultant, DESL
  • My Ton , Technical Advisor, P&R Energy
  • Verick Schick, Senior Advisor, Agency for Business & Economic Development
  • Session Moderator: Peter Du Pont
3:15 - 3:30 p.m. Q&A from the Audience and Session Wrap-up

  • Peter Du Pont, Session Moderator