NEARPIC 2024 will be organized on 21 August 2024 by ESCAP in Bangkok, Thailand, held in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and online participation. NEARPIC 2024 will also be held back-to-back with the 11th meeting of Expert Working Group on Universal Access to Modern Energy Services, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Cleaner Use of Fossil Fuels (EWG-SDG 7) and the 14th meeting of Expert Working Group on Energy Connectivity (EWG-EC), which will be held on 19-20 August. These meetings will build synergies, sharing best practices and lessons learned across different subregions on regional power connectivity.
This year, NEARPIC will focus on technologies for increasing renewable energy development, such as subsea cables, critical minerals and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), as key solutions for regional power cooperation. Subsea cables are critical for cross-border power transmission, offering efficient long-distance electricity transport with minimal losses, despite technical and regulatory challenges. VPPs integrate small-scale power units into a cloud-based network, enhancing grid stability and renewable energy integration using advanced digital technologies.
The Forum will review progress on the Green Power Corridor, explore these emerging technologies, and discuss necessary institutional arrangements and policies. NEARPIC 2024 provides a crucial platform for advancing regional power cooperation, addressing energy demands, and achieving climate action goals.