DESCRIPTION
Workshop Series
Co-organized by the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF), Saudi Arabia Ministry of Finance, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and Asian Development Bank (ADB), this workshop series will spotlight standards and practical lessons for advancing innovations in renewable energy technology and connectivity infrastructure in developing countries. It will feature case studies and interactive discussions among governments, technology companies, International Financial Institutions, and developing country financiers, with a focus on Asia and Africa.
Certificate of Participation
Those who attend at least two out of three workshops in the series will receive a certificate of participation.
Workshop Two: Innovations In Solar Energy
This session will discuss innovative solar energy technologies (e.g., new photovoltaic materials such as perovskite solar cells, concentrating solar thermal power materials, and minigrids) and institutional mechanisms to support these innovations.
AGENDA
WORKSHOP 2: Innovations in Solar Energy
Wednesday, 14 May 2025 (18:00 – 20:00 Beijing time)
18:00 – 18:05
Welcome and Introduction by:
Dr. Ede Ijjasz, Senior Advisor to the CEO, MCDF
18:05 – 18:20
Overview Presentation
Presentation 1: Overview of the Solar Industry Innovations and Trends
Dr. Ede Ijjasz, Senior Advisor to the CEO, MCDF
18:20 – 18:35
Presentation 2: Floating Solar Facilities in Da Mi Hydropower Plant
Michael Gabisch, Principal Investment Specialist and Unit Head, Private Sector Infrastructure Finance for the Pacific, Asian Development Bank
The innovative approach combining hydro and solar, and the financing arrangements of Innovative floating solar power project ADB financed by Viet Nam.
18:55 – 19:10
Presentation 3: Solar Home Solutions in Nigeria – An Innovative Institutional and Financial Model
Alagi Basiru Gaye, Lead Global Energy Specialist, Islamic Development Bank
Through a a crowdfunding platform that facilitates sustainable investments to accelerate energy access, an IsDB-supported project in Nigeria mobilized thousands of small investors for solar household solutions in Nigeria.
19:10 – 19:25
Presentation 4: Solar, Sustainability and Solutions - 3S with International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Dr. Gurleen Kaur, Technology and Solar Specialist, ISA
This session offers an overview of how the ISA is driving the global energy transition. It highlights ISA’s focus on Agri-PV as a dual-benefit innovation supporting both clean energy and agricultural productivity, especially in member countries. It also delves into ISA’s efforts on end-of-life management for PV systems, promoting circularity and responsible solar deployment. Together, these initiatives reflect ISA’s broader mission to enable just, inclusive, and future-ready solar solutions for its member countries.
19:25 – 19:40
Presentation 5: From Sun to Roof to Grid Report Series - Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP)
Christophe de Gouvello, Senior Energy and Climate Change Specialist, ESMAP, World Bank
Distributed photovoltaics (DPV), the world’s fastest growing local energy technology, offers distinct benefits and challenges especially when connected to grids in low- and middle-income countries. The World Bank’s ESMAP has produced ‘From Sun to Roof to Grid’, a series of three reports that provides a comprehensive, structured approach to develop DPV as a complement to other distributed energy resources and traditional utility-scale resources.
19:55 – 20:00
Closing
Erick Mariga, Sustainable Development Specialist, MCDF
Speakers
AUDIENCE
- Officials from ministries of energy, industry, technology, research, planning, and finance in developing countries
- Staff from financiers in developing countries working in the energy sector
- Staff of renewable energy technology companies and power and grid utilities
- Staff from International Financial Institutions and development partners
- Other interested stakeholders
FORMAT
The Workshop Series will be held virtually. Speaker presentations, case studies, and discussions will be conducted in English.
Participants will engage through small group discussions, quick-answer apps, and question-and-answer sessions at the end of each panel discussion.
Video recordings of select workshop content will be uploaded on the MCDF website. Complete workshop video recordings and featured presentations will be made available on MCDF’s digital platform, JIGSAW.
ORGANIZING PARTNERS
- Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance
- Saudi Arabia Ministry of Finance
- Islamic Development Bank
- Asian Development Bank
SERIES SCHEDULE
This session highlighted innovations in energy connectivity infrastructure, including breakthrough technologies (e.g., smart grids, high-voltage transmission systems, blockchain, AI, and IoT in renewable energy systems) and institutional mechanisms (e.g., regional power pools, cross-border public-private partnerships).
Thursday, 10 April 2025
18:00 – 20:00 Beijing Time
Innovations in Solar Energy
This session will discuss innovative solar energy technologies (e.g., new photovoltaic materials such as perovskite solar cells, concentrating solar thermal power materials, and minigrids) and institutional mechanisms to support these innovations.
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
18:00 – 20:00 Beijing Time
Storage
This session will examine innovations in renewable energy storage, such as batteries, pumped storage, and sands and market mechanisms to facilitate their development and scaling up.
Monday, 2 June 2025 (TBC)
18:00 – 20:00 Beijing Time
CONTACT
If you would like to learn more about the Workshop Series on Innovations in Renewable Energy Technology and Connectivity, please contact MCDF’s Jenny Lou Fernandez (jenny.fernandez@themcdf.org).
RELATED
Concept Note: Workshop Series on Innovations in Renewable Energy Technology and Connectivity.
