Smarter, Inclusive Energy Solutions
Third lateral learning program on smart grid technologies and implications for inclusive development, Melbourne, Australia
14–17 October 2019
Modern energy access (or the lack of it) is an important indicator of poverty and social development, such as equitable access to health, education and basic services, as well as women’s welfare and even status in society. While there is no technological fix to the social and gender equity challenges, the low-carbon transition taking place in the energy and power sector in Asia, driven by technology innovation, can enable countries to “leap-frog” stages, by using fewer capital intensive, centralised systems and technology. This would have important welfare benefits and improvements in the quality of life of women and men and does provide women the opportunity to get on board at the early phase of these changes and influence and even transform their societies and lives. The 2019 program will focus on community-based clean energy solutions, including smart grid technologies and systems, such as distributed generation, micro-grids, battery storage, smart meters, hydrogen powered systems, and integrated solutions combining the energy, water, agricultural production and environmental sustainability nexus, within an inclusive development framework, with a focus on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). System resilience to extreme weather conditions is an emerging and important consideration in addressing power system reliability. What are the linkages between energy and power system resilience to community resilience and how can a better understanding of the issues and challenges to enhance community resilience capacities inform the design of power systems and planning? A special focus of the program will be inclusive community energy resilience, based on the research done in the University of Melbourne. Information on international experience will be shared, through examples and case studies, along with implementation roadmaps, frameworks and strategies. The policy and regulatory environment required to foster the low-carbon energy transition, to leapfrog with smarter and inclusive technology solutions will be discussed. The program will also include problem-solving working groups with experts, as well as poster-sessions presenting innovative PhD research on related topics. Field trips to sites will be organized by industry partners. The program will build on previous lateral learning programs conducted by the University of Melbourne for the ADB and will be based on a number of thematic sessions.
Visiting Melbourne
Visitors are invited to explore these websites to find out more what to see and do while you’re in town: Visit Melbourne. Directory of restaurants and cafés: Zomato.
Past workshops
Banner image credits: SDIM3186 — "Senmai-da" (literally: a thousand rice field) is the rice terraces in Shirayone-cho town, Ishikawa-ken. In 2011 this area, including the rice terraces, was designated as GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) by FAO. During the Christmas season of 2011, the rice field was decorated with illuminations driven by solar energy. The picture was taken on Dec 31, 2011.
Photographer: Akira Takiguchi | Rights: Creative Commons BY 2.0
This is a paperless workshop.
Session topics
Session 1
Power system resilience to extreme events: a stronger, bigger, or a smarter grid?
Session 2
Smart Grid development in Asia: policies, plans and implications for poverty reduction and social inclusion – Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka
Session 3
Case studies: ‘smarter’ projects integrating advanced technologies and GESI
Session 4
Capacity development: addressing the gender gaps and technology challenges through diversity and social inclusion
Session 5
Community energy resilience in Bangladesh: presentation of the University of Melbourne study
Session 6
‘Smarter’ infrastructure – an integrated approach
Session 7
The energy transition in Australia – the social implications
Session 8
Climate change modelling: How it informs community resilience analysis
Feature talk
Smart Grid development in South Asia Policies, plans and implications for poverty reduction and social inclusion
Feature talk
Hydrogen: has its time come and what are the socio-economic implications?
Feature talk
Engineering in the 21st Century
Venue
Seminar Room
University College
40 College Crescent
Parkville
General Chair
Speakers
Michael Brear, Director, Melbourne Energy Institute, The University of Melbourne
Sangeetha Chandra-Shekeran, Lecturer, School of Geography, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne
Shannon Cowlin, Senior Energy Specialist, South East Asia Department, Energy Division
Antonin Demazy, Research Assistant and PhD Candidate, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne
Rob Evans, Laureate Professor, Chair of Electrical Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne
Len George, Energy Specialist, SAEN, ADB
Kumudini Herath, Ceylon Electricity Board, Ministry of Power and Energy, Government of Sri Lanka
Sudarshana Jayasundara, Social Development Officer (GAD), Sri Lanka Resident Mission, ADB
Yoojung Jang, Social Development Specialist (Safeguards), SAEN, ADB
Jaimes Kolantharaj, Energy Specialist, SAEN, ADB
Pierluigi Mancarella, Program Leader, ‘Energy Systems’ program, MEI and Head Power and Energy Systems,Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne
Pradeep Perera, Principal Energy Specialist, SAEN, ADB
Robyn Schofield, Director, Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne
Nasheeba Selim, Senior Social Development Officer (Gender)
Francesco Tornieri, Principal Social Development Specialist (GAD), ADB
Nidup Tshering, National Social Development Consultant (GAD), Bhutan Resident Mission, ADB
Priyantha Wijayatunga, Director South Asia Energy Division (SAEN), ADB
Eleonora Windisch, Advisor and Head, Portfolio, Results and Quality Control Unit, South Asia Department, ADB
Kee Yung-Nam, Principal Energy Economist, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, ADB
Aiming Zhou, Principal Energy Specialist, SAEN, SARD
University presentations are for ADB course use only and not for public circulation.
Presentations: Day 1
Feature Talk Priyantha Wijayatunga [PDF]
Session 2
Session 3
Dechen Dema Nidup Tshering [PDF]
Session 4
Presentations: Day 2
Feature Talk 2:Michael Brear [PDF]
Session 5
Session 6
Session 7
Presentations: Day 4
Feature Talk 2: Rob Evans [PDF]
Summary Report: Rob Evans [PDF]