Together with the governments of Indonesia, the Philippines and Viet Nam, the ETP led discussions at the 3rd G20 Energy Transition Working Group side event. It focused on smart grid solutions for a sustainable energy future.

“Collaboration and cooperation between multi-stakeholders of governments and development partners are key to overcoming the barriers of financing and operational challenges – through coordinated planning, exchange of knowledge and harmonized standards in achieving an effective smart grid,” said Hongpeng Liu, Director of the Energy Division for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

Southeast Asia has experienced rapid economic growth over the past two decades – and expects to see a significant increase in energy demands to sustain its momentum. While the growth in energy demands is among the fastest in the world, barriers to achieving energy transition range from policy misalignment and inadequate infrastructure to lack of capacity.

Sirpa Jarvenpaa, Director of the ETP, opened the discussions at the G20 side-event, asking: “How can we accelerate investments into the grid infrastructure to enable a rapid uptake of renewable energy, create new green jobs, and open new opportunities for economic growth?”

Panelists discussed how advancing the adoption of smart grids can accommodate the cost competitiveness of adding new renewable energy into the power system, and strengthen operations. Modern technologies – including investments in digital technology transformation – are also needed to manage the variability of renewable energy and the dynamic nature of supply and demand.

“Smart grid technology plays a critical role to integrate the ambitious renewable energy supplies to ensure a stable and secure energy system,” said Mr. Anditya.

ETP  is a multi-donor trust fund that brings together governments and philanthropies to support efforts to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy across Southeast Asia.