PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The knowledge and support technical assistance (TA) will support the countries of Southeast Asia (SEA) to transition to a cleaner energy future. While this transition is already underway in some countries, the pace of the transformation needs to be accelerated across the region to avert a development path inconsistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. This transition needs to be just and inclusive, ensuring affordable, reliable, and equitable access to energy services. The proposed TA will assist SEA countries with a comprehensive package of solutions that will include: (i) the preparation of sectoral and country-specific assessments; (ii) the development of new business models, feasibility reports, and other technical studies; (iii) the conduct of workshops and policy dialogues; and (iv) the development of project investment pipelines to be financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners.
The proposed TA is well aligned with ADB's Strategy 2030 and will support several of its operational priorities. By assisting SEA countries to develop clean energy solutions in an affordable manner, the TA will contribute to a wider access to energy services, thereby reducing inequalities, including gender-based ones. A transition to cleaner forms of energy will also support SEA countries to tackle climate change by reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In addition, activities implemented under the TA will enhance energy sector governance and transparency, foster opportunities for power system integration within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and support South-South knowledge transfer. Overall, the TA will strongly support sustainable development goal (SDG)1 (poverty alleviation), SDG5 (gender equality and women empowerment), SDG7 (affordable and cleaner energy), SDG13 (climate action), and SDG16 (stronger institutions). The TA is included in the 2021 workplan for the Southeast Asia Department.