Using policy, legislation, technology, and investment guidance, the Third Demand-Driven Electrical Networks Initiative (3DEN) will assist nations in modernizing their electricity networks
Earlier this month, a new effort was launched with the goal of speeding progress on electricity system modernisation and the optimal utilization of demand-side resources.
The Demand-Driven Electricity Networks Initiative (3DEN) was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the Italian government. The initiative will assist countries in modernizing their electricity systems through policy, regulation, technology, and investment guidance, among other things.
According to the organizations, the energy sector accounts for around 65 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions, which must be reduced by half by 2030 and completely eradicated by 2050 in order to fulfill the goals of the Paris climate accord.
More than 750 million people lack access to electricity, and 2.6 billion people continue to cook and heat their homes with wood, charcoal, and other unhealthful fuels, indicating a need for increased power generation capacity and infrastructural expansion.
Several countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Morocco, Tunisia, India, Indonesia, and South Africa, have responded to a call from the Italian Ministry of Ecological Transition and the United Nations Environment Programme for pilot projects on digitalisation for flexible and resilient energy systems.
Pilot projects are planned to demonstrate novel economic and regulatory models for the use of smarter digital power infrastructure, with the goal of increasing the acceptance of this technology.
“The energy industry urgently needs to reform in order to achieve fast decarbonisation and greater accessibility for the millions of people who still lack access to electricity, particularly in low-income areas,” said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UN Environment Programme’s Economy Division.
“Digital technologies have the potential to bring benefits in terms of climate and power system resilience, as well as ensuring that energy is provided at the lowest feasible price,” says the author. 3DEN will be a critical instrument in assisting governments in achieving this goal.”
The project will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders in order to foster dialogue and the sharing of experiences, including the International Smart Grids Action Network, the Clean Energy Ministerial, Mission Innovation, and the User-Centred Energy Systems, Energy in Buildings and Communities, and Energy Efficient End-User Equipment Technology Collaboration Programs. The International Smart Grids Action Network is a non-profit organization that promotes dialogue and the sharing of experiences.