UN ECEUN ESCAPUN ESCWA

Policies for inclusive and digitalized power grids in countries with special needs in the ECE, ESCAP, and ESCWA regions

Global BelarusGeorgiaIraqJordanMongoliaTajikistan

In many countries with special needs, the need for more resilient and sustainable energy systems has intensified in the recent years against the backdrop of aging energy infrastructure and growing energy demand. In this context, integration of new renewables-based decentralized energy resources into legacy systems poses a significant challenge. At the same time, many countries with special needs are under increasing pressure to drive efficiency and innovation within the energy sector. Without strategic governance frameworks that embrace digital technologies and support their concerted integration, while addressing the risks such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities and data privacy, most initiatives and efforts to modernize energy systems might turn out to be fragmented and short-lived. Moreover, gender and socio-economic disparities can impede the inclusivity of these transitions, thus potentially leaving certain populations out of the planning and decision-making processes. This project will respond to these critical needs by equipping target countries with harmonized policy approaches and providing targeted capacity-building, with a focus on responsible and inclusive digital transformation in the energy sector. The project will focus on developing a digital governance policy framework that will enable target countries to modernize and better manage their power grids through embracing the twin transition approach. By promoting integration of decentralized energy resources, the project will offer pathways to enhance energy access and grid reliability and resilience. This will be accomplished through capacity-building for policymakers, regulators and utilities, and facilitating regional cooperation to develop harmonized approaches for governance policies for digital transformation of the power sector while ensuring interoperability with legacy systems. Key policy interventions would focus on support of research and development, technological and market innovation, cross-industry collaboration, data protection and ensuring cyber resilience to digital vulnerabilities, behavioural change, and responsible use of digital technologies to avoid rebound effects. The planned policy framework will provide standardized approaches for the integration of digital tools into grid infrastructure.

Activity Type Technical AssistanceResearch/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory Guidance