Energy connectivity plays a crucial role in enhancing the resilience of energy systems. By connecting countries or sub-regions which have energy deficits with markets that are in surplus, and providing them with increased flexibility and energy availability, asymmetric shocks can be better handled due to the diversification of energy sources. In this way, connectivity helps to increase energy security across regions. Power markets interconnection and integration also enhances economies of scale for large clean energy infrastructure projects, benefiting member States by lowering the overall required system investments and reducing costs of electricity supply. Furthermore, interconnection enables countries to integrate higher shares of renewable energy capacity into power systems that are more inclusive, flexible, efficient, reliable, diversified, and decarbonized over time.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (ESCAP), in partnership with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Western Asia (ESCWA), and Africa (ECA), held a series of technical and policy dialogues at this year’s Thirteenth International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development | ESCAP with the objective of boosting energy security, resilience and sustainability through enhanced regional connectivity.
Under a jointly implemented UN Development Account (UNDA) Project, the Regional Commissions aim to increase the capacity of member States to design and implement policies that strengthen energy security through improved connectivity. This initiative establishes a global stakeholder network, develops policy guidance, disseminates knowledge, and fosters multi-stakeholder partnerships.
"Enhancing regional energy connectivity is crucial for promoting sustainability and security in the global energy supply," said Mr Dario Liguti, Director of Sustainable Energy Division at UNECE. "This collaborative effort, based on building relationships across countries, will pave the way for deep decarbonization and more efficient integration of renewable energy capacity."
"This cross Regional Commissions’ initiative represents a significant step towards creating more interconnected and resilient energy systems across the globe," added Matthew Wittenstein, Chief of the Energy Connectivity Section at ESCAP. "By fostering cross-border energy trade and infrastructure development, we can enhance the reliability, affordability, and sustainability of energy supplies worldwide."
Organized over two-days, this cross-regional dialogue on energy connectivity highlighted the valuable insights that different Regional Commissions can offer. This exchange of experiences has the potential to foster innovative solutions for shared challenges, particularly in addressing the financial and institutional aspects of energy interconnectivity. The Regional Commissions invite country representatives, international financing institutions, development agencies, industry leaders, academia, and NGOs to participate in upcoming technical dialogues under the UNECE and UNESCAP Programme on Energy Connectivity in Central Asia and the Caucasus | UNECE to identify concrete actions for enhancing regional energy connectivity.