Report on the ENABLE Initiative for Battery Energy Storage Systems in Asia and the Pacific

Introduction: A Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Development

A new partnership between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has been established to accelerate the deployment of clean energy infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific. The collaboration has launched the “Enhancing Access to Battery Energy Storage System for Low-carbon Economies” (ENABLE) platform. This initiative directly supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by mobilizing financial and technical resources to integrate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into the region’s power grids.

Initial funding for the platform includes a $500,000 grant from the ADB’s Smart Energy Innovation Fund and $250,000 from GEAPP, which will be administered by the ADB.

The Critical Role of BESS in Advancing SDG 7 and SDG 13

Addressing the Challenge of Renewable Energy Integration

The Asia and Pacific region is projected to add approximately 430 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy capacity between 2023 and 2028. While this expansion is vital for SDG 13 (Climate Action), the intermittent nature of sources like solar and wind presents significant challenges to grid stability. BESS technology is a critical enabler for managing this variability, ensuring a reliable and continuous supply of clean energy. This enhances energy security and builds resilient infrastructure, a key target of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Official Perspectives on BESS and Sustainable Energy

ADB and GEAPP officials have emphasized that BESS is crucial for a stable and clean energy transition. The ENABLE platform is designed to overcome primary obstacles to BESS adoption by providing technical expertise, project development support, and innovative financing. This approach aims to de-risk investments and attract private sector capital, making BESS a mainstream component of the region’s energy strategy. This model of using philanthropic capital to unlock larger private investment directly contributes to financing the SDGs.

The ENABLE Platform’s Strategic Framework

A Multi-Pronged Approach to Accelerate Deployment

The ENABLE initiative will employ a comprehensive strategy to fast-track BESS deployment, contributing to the development of sustainable infrastructure under SDG 9. Key activities include:

• Technical Assistance: Providing expert guidance to governments and project developers to build local capacity.
• Pilot Project Preparation: Assisting in the development and launch of initial BESS projects to serve as replicable models.
• Capacity-Building Programs: Equipping energy sector stakeholders with the knowledge and skills for successful BESS integration.

Overcoming Barriers to Clean Energy Infrastructure

The platform will systematically address common barriers that hinder progress toward SDG 7. These include:

1. Lack of technical understanding of BESS technology.
2. High upfront capital costs.
3. Limited access to affordable financing mechanisms.
4. Concerns regarding the impact on electricity tariffs for consumers.

Implementation Roadmap and Regional Focus

Initial Country Engagement and Long-Term Vision

Over an initial three-year period, ENABLE will prioritize its efforts in Vietnam, Mongolia, and Cambodia, tailoring its support to each country’s specific needs and stage of BESS development. The long-term vision is to expand this model to other countries in the region.

Key Focus Areas for Building Sustainable Infrastructure (SDG 9)

The initiative will concentrate on several strategic areas to create a sustainable ecosystem for BESS:

• Conducting studies for private sector-led, grid-scale BESS projects.
• Developing supportive policy frameworks and procurement guidelines.
• Establishing technical standards for safety and performance.
• Exploring the use of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, for system optimization.
• Creating innovative business and financing models for energy storage deployment.

Case Study: The Philippines’ Commitment to SDG 7

Current Status and National Strategy

In the Philippines, BESS deployment is in its early stages, facing challenges such as high capital costs and a need for more commercial-scale pilot projects. However, the government has demonstrated a clear commitment to integrating energy storage as a cornerstone of its clean energy strategy. During the Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF), the Philippine Department of Energy affirmed that BESS is a “crucial enabler” for managing renewable energy and strengthening grid stability, which is essential for achieving the country’s targets under SDG 7 and SDG 13.

Policy and Targets

The Philippines has implemented policies such as the inclusion of Integrated Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems (IRESS) in its Green Energy Auction Program. The country has set a target to deploy 1.1 GW of IRESS, signaling strong government support for making energy storage a fundamental part of its future energy mix.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Model for a Sustainable Future

The partnership between the ADB and GEAPP through the ENABLE platform represents a significant step toward achieving a sustainable energy future in Asia and the Pacific. By creating “bankable” projects and fostering an investment-friendly environment, the initiative aims to establish BESS as a foundational element of the region’s energy infrastructure. This collaborative effort, rooted in the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), provides a replicable model for accelerating the clean energy transition and delivering on the promise of SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The entire article is centered on this goal. The ENABLE initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to support the massive growth of renewable energy (solar and wind) in the Asia and Pacific region. This directly contributes to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by making intermittent renewable sources more stable and dependable.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article discusses the development of resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure. BESS is presented as a critical technology (“a crucial technology for ensuring stable, reliable, and clean power systems”) needed to upgrade the region’s energy grids. The ENABLE platform itself is an innovation in financing and technical assistance to build this modern infrastructure.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  By facilitating the integration of 430 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity, the ENABLE initiative is a direct climate action measure. BESS helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels for grid stability, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The article also mentions the development of “supportive policy frameworks,” which aligns with integrating climate change measures into national policies.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article is fundamentally about a partnership. The collaboration between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is a prime example of a multi-stakeholder partnership. It mobilizes financial resources, technology, and technical expertise to achieve sustainable development goals in developing countries like Vietnam, Mongolia, and Cambodia.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   The article directly supports this target by addressing the challenge of integrating an estimated “430 gigawatts (GW) of new [renewable] capacity” in the Asia and Pacific region. BESS is positioned as the key enabler for this massive increase in renewable energy share.

2. Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.

   The ENABLE platform, a joint initiative by ADB and GEAPP, is a perfect illustration of this target. It brings together “human and financial resources,” offers “technical know-how,” and provides “creative financing options” to accelerate the adoption of BESS technology.

3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.

   The article emphasizes that BESS is critical for maintaining “grid stability” and ensuring “stable, reliable… power systems.” This directly contributes to building the resilient energy infrastructure needed to support the region’s growing economies and energy demands.

4. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   The article mentions that ENABLE will focus on developing “supportive policy frameworks and procurement guidelines.” Furthermore, it highlights the Philippines’ existing policy of including “Integrated Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems (IRESS) in national auction programs,” which is a clear example of integrating climate-friendly technology into national planning.

5. Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.

   The initiative is backed by a grant of “$500,000… from the ADB’s Smart Energy Innovation Fund and an additional $250,000… from GEAPP.” The article also notes that GEAPP uses “philanthropic capital to mitigate risks, thereby encouraging greater private sector investment,” which aims to mobilize further financial resources.

6. Target 17.7: Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries.

   The core mission of the ENABLE platform is to accelerate the deployment and adoption of BESS, an environmentally sound technology, across the Asia and Pacific region, with an initial focus on developing countries like Vietnam, Mongolia, and Cambodia.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Financial Flows for Clean Energy (Indicator 7.a.1): The article explicitly states the initial funding for the ENABLE platform: “$500,000 from the ADB” and “$250,000 from GEAPP.” This provides a clear, measurable financial indicator for international cooperation in clean energy.
• Renewable Energy Capacity (Relates to Indicator 7.2.1): The article mentions the expected addition of “430 gigawatts (GW) of new [renewable] capacity” and the Philippines’ target of “1.1 GW for IRESS deployment.” These figures serve as quantitative indicators of the scale of renewable energy expansion that BESS will support.
• Number of Pilot Projects: The article states that ENABLE will focus on “pilot project preparation.” The number of successful BESS pilot projects launched in countries like Vietnam, Mongolia, and Cambodia would be a direct indicator of the program’s progress.
• Development of National Policies (Relates to Indicator 13.2.1): Progress can be measured by the number of countries that, with ENABLE’s assistance, develop and implement “supportive policy frameworks and procurement guidelines” and “technical standards” for BESS integration. The mention of the Philippines’ existing IRESS policy serves as a baseline example.
• Capacity Building Initiatives: The article mentions “comprehensive capacity-building initiatives.” The number of stakeholders (e.g., government officials, project developers) trained through these programs would be a key performance indicator of knowledge transfer.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cleantechnica.com