e-Notes

October  
2024  

The Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) in collaboration with the International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC) successfully organized a series of training programs focused on Demand Side Management (DSM) in the Philippines. The first training, "DSM - Principles and Fundamentals," was held from April 11^th to 12^th, 2024, at F1 Hotel Manila. It aimed to enhance policymakers' and regulators' knowledge on planning and implementation of DSM, with attendees from the Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB), Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB), Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and National Electrification Administration (NEA).

 
Group Photo taken at the 1^st DSM Training Program on 'DSM - Principles and Fundamentals'
(April 11, 2024, Manila, Philippines) (left), Mr. Sommai Phon-Amnuaisuk, Project Team Leader and
Director of IIEC, Presenting Session 'DSM Planning and Analysis Framework' (right)

Building on this success, a second training program, "DSM – Technologies and Evaluation," took place on May 28^th and 29^th, 2024, at the Department of Energy's main building in Manila. This session focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and DSM-related information technologies. Topics included DSM technology benefits, the energy project development cycle, and the use of the "DSM Calc" tool for evaluating DSM project cost-effectiveness. Participants included DOE staff and representatives from the ERC and NEA, promoting a collaborative approach to improving energy efficiency and renewable energy practices.

 
Opening Remarks on the 2^nd DSM Training Program on “DSM – Technologies and Evaluation”
by Mr. Patrick T. Aquino, CESO III – Director IV, DOE through Mr. Daniel Collin G. Jornales
on May 28^th, 2024 (left), and Mr. Sommai Phon-Amnuaisuk Giving Presentation (right)

In a collaborative effort to boost energy efficiency in Samoa's tourism sector, the Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment (MNRE), Samoa Tourism Authority (STA), and International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC), hosted energy audit training sessions in June 2024. Funded by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the workshops took place at Jet Over Resort on Savaii Island and Samoa Tradition Resort on Upolu Island.

The training introduced participants to "walk-through energy audits" equipping hotel, resort, villa, and bungalow representatives with essential skills to identify energy-saving opportunities. By focusing on practical techniques and technologies, the sessions aim to support a more sustainable future for Samoa’s accommodation providers.

  
Group Photo taken at the Energy Audit Training Venue at Jet Over Hotel,
Savaii on June 26^th, 2024 (left) and Samoa Tradition Resort, Upolu on June 28^th, 2024 (right) 

 
Energy Audit Training in Savaii, Samoa on June 26^th, 2024 (left) and
Upolu, Samoa on June 28^th, 2024 (right)

The International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC) is co-executing a project with the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) on “Creating and Sustaining Markets for Energy Efficiency” under the GEF-6 funding cycle. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) is the implementing agency of the project. The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through scaling up energy efficient technology applications in India. The project has three components: 1) Expanding and Sustaining investments in existing market sectors; 2) Building Market Diversification; and 3) Replication & Scaling Up Activities.

IIEC is responsible for engaging agencies, consultants, and sector experts to conduct various market assessments, feasibility studies, impact assessments, program development, and capacity-building activities which shall support in developing and accelerating the markets of energy efficiency, particularly in the industrial and building sectors in India. The project is helping in scaling-up the potential for energy-efficient technologies and appliances such as air compressors, heat pumps, waste heat recovery solutions, blowers, induction cook stoves, super-efficient motors (IE4), etc. IIEC is also supporting in conducting various market outreach programs and consultations for awareness and capacity building of end users for faster adoption of energy-efficient technologies in India.

Stakeholder Consultation Workshop held on Super-Efficient Technologies for
Industrial Utilities (Compressed Air Systems) at the SCOPE Convention Centre,
New Delhi, India on the 6^th of February 2024

Stakeholder Consultation Workshop held on Heat Pumps for Industrial & Commercial Applications at
the City Centre Hotel in Pune, India on 22^nd of May 2024

The International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC) is working with the Collaborative Labelling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) and the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) to promote the uptake of energy efficient technologies including the Heat Pumps in India. While EESL is getting ready for the demonstration of Heat Pumps, IIEC and CLASP are supporting through assessing the market for the adoption of Heat Pumps for Water Heating and Space Heating/Cooling Applications. IIEC has identified the prevailing Heat Pump technologies in the international market for water heating and space cooling applications and their suitability in India. The project is assessing and evaluating the present heat pump market volume, challenges/barriers to establishing an energy efficiency policy in the future and energy-saving potential through heat pump technology.

Photo taken during site visit of Heat Pump Technology at
Armstrong Manufacturing Facility in Chennai, India on 31^st of July 2024

IIEC team is also reviewing existing Indian and International standards and testing infrastructure to provide recommendations for any update in the existing standards.

As part of the ADB-funded "Disease Resilient and Energy Efficient Centralized Air-Conditioning (CAC) Systems in Public Buildings" initiative, a series of energy audits were conducted in four major hospitals across the Philippines in May and June 2024. These included Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Philippine General Hospital (PGH), East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), and Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH). The results will determine the feasibility of supporting cleaner, smarter cooling solutions in the healthcare sector. The audits focused on assessing existing air-conditioning systems and exploring the potential for installing rooftop solar PV systems. The goal is to enhance energy efficiency while improving indoor air quality through the implementation of smart CAC systems in these hospitals.

 
Project Team Conducting an Energy Audit of The Air-Conditioning Systems Philippine
General Hospital (PGH)

 
Project Team Conducting an Energy Audit of The Air-Conditioning Systems at
Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC)

The GEF-8 Thailand Net Zero Nature Positive (NZNP) Integrated Programme (IP) project, focusing on the "Deep Decarbonization of Thai Industries based on Emission Trading System and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (Building Component)," is set to play a crucial role in shaping Thailand's climate action roadmap. This initiative emphasizes reducing emissions in key industrial sectors, particularly the building sector.

Key milestones in the project included the Stakeholder Consultation Workshop held on April 1^st, 2024, hosted by UNEP, TGO, DEDE, UNIDO, and IIEC. The event facilitated inclusive engagement from policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, financing institutions, and academic stakeholders. Participants provided vital feedback on the draft project design and proposed management structure for the decarbonization effort. This diverse input ensured that the project design, especially for the building sector, was comprehensive and representative of varied interests. A follow-up Validation Workshop on May 13^th, 2024, focused on the Building Energy Efficiency (EE) Component. IIEC’s pivotal role in refining the scope of the GEF-8 NZNP Building Component has been instrumental in aligning the project’s goals with Thailand’s broader climate commitments. The insights and collaborative discussions from both workshops will be critical in shaping the final proposal for Thailand’s deep decarbonization and EE efforts. IIEC's contributions underscore its expertise and leadership in implementing EE strategies and fostering sustainable industrial practices.

Group Photo taken at the Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on “Deep Decarbonization of
Thai Industries based on Emission Trading System and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
(Building Component)”, on April 1^st, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand

Ms. Sopin Wachirapuwadon, Senior Project Manager of IIEC presented the Draft Project
Design Approach (left), Mr. Sommai Phon-Amnuaisuk, Director of IIEC and Project Consultant
was the Moderator in the Q&A Session (right)

IIEC India along with the International Copper Association (ICA) India has formed an Alliance for Solarized Irrigation (ASI) which a coalition where organizations and individuals work together to enable and promote increased and sustainable use of solar-powered irrigation systems and other equipment for agriculture in India. The ASI currently has members representing the industry associations of solar pumps, micro irrigation and solar developers in India along with not-for-profit organizations working at the ground level, system integrators, and apex research institutes working in the field of agriculture and water management. The ASI is currently working to enable the development of innovative market-based mechanisms for advancing solar based micro irrigation. Recently and joint study has been conducted by the National Institute for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NIAP), an apex institute under the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), ICA, and IIEC to establish convergence between government schemes for solar pumping systems and micro irrigation to improve resource efficiency and re-purpose electric subsidies provided by the Indian government.  

Workshop with Water and Energy Sector Experts to share outcomes of the Study on
Convergence between Solar Pumping Systems and Micro Irrigation held at
the NIAP Centre, PUSA, New Delhi, India on 24^th July 2024

A key milestone in the fight against climate change, the Twinning Workshop for Montreal Protocol Officers, Energy Efficiency Policymakers, and Financial Mechanisms Focal Points took place in Guangzhou, China, on May 20^th-21^st, 2024. Convened by UNEP, the event brought together stakeholders from Article 5 countries across Southeast Asia to develop strategies that support the Kigali Amendment objectives.

The workshop focused on enhancing the climate benefits of refrigerant transitions and improving energy efficiency (EE) in the HVAC sector. IIEC presented updates on Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and labeling programs in Southeast Asia, providing insights that informed discussions on transitioning to EE air conditioning across the region. Discussions highlighted the importance of integrated environmental policies, robust MEPS, energy labeling programs, and efficient procurement practices. Strengthening collaboration among authorities was emphasized as essential to advancing both EE and ozone protection in the region.

 
Workshop Group Photo taken at the Twinning Workshop for Montreal Protocol Officers,
Energy-Efficiency Policy Makers, and Financial Mechanisms Focal Points to Support
Kigali Amendment Objectives held in Guangzhou, China, May 20^th - 21^st, 2024

 
Mr. Sommai Phon-Amnuaisuk Presenting the Results from the Pre-workshop Survey for
Southeast Asia on Monday, May 20^th, 2024

We are very excited to welcome Prof. Abdul Salam and Ms. Deepali Khanna to IIEC’s Board of Directors. Our newest members represent decades of experience in the fight against climate change and promise to help IIEC continue Leading the Transition to Clean Energy!

Prof. Abdul Salam (left) and Ms. Deepali Khanna (right)

Prof. Abdul Salam is currently serving as the Dean of School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok, Thailand. He is also serving as the Professor in Sustainable Energy Transition Program of AIT. Prof. Salam has more than 30 years of international experience in research, consultancy and capacity building in the areas of bioenergy, waste to energy, renewable and sustainable energy, energy efficiency, and climate change mitigation. He has published six books and 110 internationally refereed journal articles and conference papers and a number of development and industry reports. He also has three years of working experience as the General Manager and Chief Design Engineer of an energy service company and carried out a number of consultancies, feasibility studies and implemented many projects. He has also implemented several research, development, and industrial projects as well as programs funded by various international organizations and UN agencies. He received many awards in recognition of his research and academic activities, including Thailand Frontier Researcher Award for Engineering in 2016.

Ms. Deepali Khanna is the Chief Representative of the Rockefeller Foundation in Asia. She oversees efforts to amplify the Foundation’s impact and initiatives to make opportunities universal and sustainable. She leads the efforts of the Asia Regional Office team to build and sustain networks with different institutions, leverage financing and collaborations, innovative grants, thought leadership and information on trends driving the Asian continent’s development.

In her role, Deepali is leading engagement with India’s G20 presidency to advance global economic equity, public health, clean energy, and sustainable food systems. Deepali currently serves as co-Chair of G20 India’s Business20 task force on Financing For Global Economic Recovery and as co-chair of G7 Japan’s Think7 task force on Development and Economic Prosperity. Deepali is also on the Digital Green Foundation Board and the International Jury of The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Fellowship Programme.

Deepali joined the Foundation in 2015, serving as Director of the Foundation’s $75 million where she led Smart Power for Rural Development – later Smart Power India – to provide affordable and clean energy access to over a million people in India. She regularly writes on issues relevant to the sustainable development goals and the importance of south-south cooperation in regional and national publications across Asia, including Forbes Asia, The Straits Times, and The Bangkok Post. She is a regular speaker at regional platforms such as the Asia Venture Philanthropy Network, Philanthropy Asia Summit, and World Sustainable Development Summit among others.

Prior to joining The Rockefeller Foundation, Deepali has held multiple leadership positions at The MasterCard Foundation, Plan International managing operations across several continents.