A secure and affordable energy future requires an institutionalized process of energy system planning addressing the energy trilemma of security, sustainability and affordability. It also requires a faster transition to clean energy supplies, greater access to electricity and improved efficiencies in the demand and supply sectors. USAID support to the electricity and gas sectors prioritizes least-cost, long-term planning and efficient integration of transformative technologies, including battery storage, smart grids, electric vehicles, modern gas systems, and energy efficient products and practices.
Availability and accessibility of clean, affordable and reliable energy plays a crucial role in the sustained economic growth and development of South Asian countries. Building the energy future should focus on transformative technologies including renewable energy, distributed energy resources, digitalization, off-grid energy solutions, sustainable building technologies, and air-pollution control systems. A faster and cleaner energy transition requires increased private sector participation, institutionalized processes of energy system planning, and addressing the energy trilemma of security, sustainability and affordability.
The advanced energy technologies deployment pillar of the Asia EDGE initiative in South Asia accelerates the deployment of modern energy solutions and systems to help South Asian countries achieve their energy, economic and environmental objectives. Activities under the pillar assist policymakers to set long-term goals and initiatives, develop programs, policies and mechanisms for deployment of advanced energy technologies, and building human and institutional capacities. Activities also include working with private sector developers, practitioners, investors and certification agencies to promote sustainable practices and solutions.
Advanced energy technologies activities include developing and mainstreaming enabling policies, regulations, codes and standards for the deployment of renewable energy, distributed energy resources, energy storage, electric vehicles, off-grid solutions, and other suitable advanced technologies. The activities also cover improving the energy planning processes to incorporate energy diversity, high renewable energy, and improved sector resilience. Technology related interventions focus on development, facilitation and demonstration of energy technologies and solutions, designing and demonstrating business models and financing models for demand and supply side technologies. Recognizing the role of enhanced capacity of energy sector institutions and professionals, the support heavily emphasizes building technical capabilities of relevant stakeholders and increasing knowledge exchange in the region.