Affordable and Clean Energy

Les exigences multiples du développement durable dépendent d'une production et d'une utilisation optimales et responsables des ressources naturelles. Le Système de gestion des ressources des Nations Unies (UNRMS) fournit le cadre pour une gestion intégrée et durable des ressources naturelles afin de promouvoir de bons résultats sociaux, environnementaux et économiques conformément au Programme de développement durable à l'horizon 2030. L'UNRMS est basé sur la classification-cadre des ressources des Nations Unies (CCNU) et fournit une voie de transition durable pour la production, l'utilisation et la réutilisation des ressources naturelles afin de devenir des moteurs du développement durable.

The petrochemical industry is a little studied but crucial sector that needs to rapidly ramp up its climate ambition if it is to align with the SDGs and contribute to the objectives of the Green New Deal. The implications of not doing this are significant, both in terms of the environment (petrochemicals being a major producer of carbon emissions, chemical pollutants and plastic), and in terms of potentially provoking financial and economic instability and “climate Minsky” shock. This paper builds on a previous study by the authors that analysed thousands of financial transactions to identify the respective roles played by public and private banks, bond markets and other sources of capital in this sector. This paper now digs deeper into so-called “green” finance and, in particular the market-based mechanism of green bonds. It draws on empirical evidence from global financial databases and development banks, and from case-study analysis of two development-bank financed green bond issues to the petrochemical sector. Both issuances are in Asia, the world’s manufacturing hub and driving force behind increased petrochemicals production and facilities. Lessons learned here are extremely relevant for the climate change debate, as the region is at the forefront where impact will be greatest in the near-term. This paper finds that “green finance” is at best marginal, so that significant chances are needed in the provision of finance to the petrochemical industry, if it is to influence the region’s green transition and meeting the goals of Agenda 2030. Market mechanisms still offer only the slimmest pickings, making it likely that dedicated public financial institutions such as public banks will be required for any major investment push.

In light of the current economic difficulties facing traditional development partners and the non-sustainable and non-inclusive nature of performance of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) over the last decade, LDC governments need new development paths to tap into dynamic growth poles in the South. This publication explores the role of South-South cooperation and regional developmentalism, and finds that, in order to benefit from evolving South-South relations, LDCs need to transform into Catalytic Development States that are highly sensitive to LDC vulnerabilities and offer new policy agendas.

Les régions couvertes par la Commission Economique pour l’Europe (CEE) sont à la croisée des chemins et le moment est venu pour les Etats membres de mettre en place des politiques visant à conduire des actions qui bâtiront un système énergétique résilient qui reconnaît la nécessité d'un accès abordable à l'énergie pour la qualité de vie et la croissance économique et qui minimise les impacts environnementaux. Il faudra créer une durabilité et atteindre les objectifs d'émission de carbone, tout en garantissant l'approvisionnement nécessaire pour répondre aux besoins de la société. Les groupes d’experts du Comité de l’énergie durable (CSE) de la CEE-ONU ont collaboré pour produire une feuille de route technique visant à équilibrer les priorités concurrentes, compte tenu des défis très réels actuels en matière de climat, de sécurité et d’accessibilité financière. Cette feuille de route respecte le droit des Etats membres à prendre des décisions qui répondent à leurs propres priorités et, en tant que tel, ne prescrit pas la voie à suivre mais expose les considérations techniques qui ont cruellement besoin d’être équilibrées à ce stade.

The 2019 Energy Statistics Yearbook is the sixty-third issue in a series of annual compilations of internationally comparable statistics summarizing world energy trends. Annual data for 225 countries and areas for the period 2016 to 2019 are presented on production, trade, and consumption of energy: solids, liquids, gaseous fuels, electricity, and heat, covering both renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. In addition, per capita consumption series are also provided for all energy products. Graphs are included to illustrate historic trends and/or changes in composition of production and/or consumption of major energy products. Special tables of interest include: international trade tables for coal, crude petroleum, and natural gas by partner countries – providing information on direction of trade; selected series of statistics on renewables and wastes; refinery distillation capacity; and a table on selected energy resources.

This publication demonstrates the benefits and added value of implementing intersectoral (nexus) solutions to solve the most typical problems affecting transboundary basins in terms of water quantity, quality, and environment. It is based on a survey of stakeholders worldwide who have experience with solutions and investments that link water management, energy, land/agriculture and/or environment protection, including from nexus assessments and dialogues. Designing, planning, and implementing nexus solutions and investments is in the interest of all policy makers (notably from energy and agriculture). Such nexus solutions – in contrast to sectoral-specific solutions – are associated with lower political risks (broader consensus) and higher levels of coherence with respect to cross-sectoral goals (e.g. climate goals, sustainable development) and broader benefits (multiple interests). The categories of solutions considered include international/transboundary cooperation, governance, economic and policy instruments, as well as infrastructure and innovation, while experiences of financing nexus investments are also discussed here.

Although a well-functioning transport sector is vital for economic and social development, its emissions have negative impacts on, among others, air quality, human health, and climate change. The Asia-Pacific region contributes 27 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport, representing a 243 per cent rise since 1990, which is faster than any other end-use sector. Transport impacts 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3.9, to reduce illnesses and deaths from air pollution. SDG 13, target 13.2.1 on climate action, in particular, encourages countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change towards limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Currently, 98 per cent of countries mention transport in their NDCs, while 83 per cent include transport measures, focusing primarily on public buses, clean energy sources, and electric mobility. Public transport is considered “low-hanging fruit” for electric vehicle (EV) adoption because it offers the most significant emission reduction potential, especially on a per-passenger basis, as public transport accounts for 70 per cent of urban passenger journeys in Asia. While strong international consensus has emerged on the importance of prioritizing low carbon transport, actionable policy measures are still evolving in many Asia-Pacific countries. Even where policies are identified, implementation is challenging for some countries, particularly those without the necessary expertise, technological know-how, or financial capabilities. This Monograph breaks down the components for pursuing accelerated EV adoption in public transport through frameworks, policy goals, strategies, and instruments. It draws substantial input from ESCAP’s Series on E-Mobility in Asia and the Pacific, notably Electric Mobility in Public Transport: A Guidebook for Asia-Pacific Countries and three case studies commissioned by ESCAP on China and Thailand.

This report is related to BRICS member states could consider a Positive Trade and Environment Agenda for BRICS Cooperation, fleshed out in this paper, that creates a policy framework to provide incentives, rather than punitive measures, to promote environmentally sustainable trade both, both among BRICS and in their trade globally. This agenda could include cooperation in green industrialization to build resilient supply chains; expand climate financing; facilitate affordable green technology transfers; encourage collaboration in R&D; and carve out incentives and policy space for green transition in international fora such as the UNFCCC and the WTO. Inevitably, the scope for success of a development, growth and environmentally sustainable agenda mediated by the BRICS is limited if multilateral trade and financial arrangements, where the support of advanced economies is critical, are not altered. In this respect, the BRICS members, and developing economies more generally, must not lose sight of influencing the role exerted by the major economies. Crucially, BRICS and the Global South should strive to interact with the rest of the world from a position of strength, with sufficient policy space, as well as with a spirit of cooperation firmly anchored in the fact that the natural environment and particularly its climate are intrinsically global.

Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) targets universal access to energy, an increased share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvement. While the Asia-Pacific region has made considerable progress in meeting SDG 7 targets, much more work needs to be done if the region is to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Deployment of renewable energy and complementary technologies like energy efficiency, battery storage and, in particular, grids must increase significantly if the SDG 7 targets are to be met. However, there are many positive signs that suggest the transition to clean energy is accelerating. Renewable energy is more cost-competitive than ever, especially compared with the relatively high cost of oil, natural gas and coal, and these technologies are increasingly being recognized as contributors to energy security. The focus of this Regional Trends Report 2022 is on one strategy that can enable a more rapid, more secure and more affordable transition to clean energy, i.e., power system connectivity. Energy connectivity supports the integration of variable renewables, and enables access to a more diverse and lower cost set of resources. This strategy is widely recognized, including by ESCAP member States, which in 2021 endorsed the “Regional Road Map on Power System Connectivity”. The vision, principles and nine strategies detailed in that document have guided the development of this report. Accelerating progress on power system connectivity can, in turn, accelerate the energy transition. ESCAP will continue to work with stakeholders in the region and its member States to implement the Road Map strategies, and enable more secure, more efficient and more sustainable connectivity in the region. This report will provide a useful set of case studies and recommendations for enhancing policies in support of power system connectivity and the energy transition.

This publication calls for ambitious and bold action from governments, the private sector and regulators. Development of technologies will require new regulatory frameworks to support immediate commercialization. Policy frameworks should also incorporate legally binding commitments for increased international technology transfer, harmonized standards, and definitions for ‘green’ hydrogen, energy efficiency, and conservation. All decisions should be assessed against existing and upcoming net-zero and climate neutrality targets, with all energy infrastructure built to be net-zero compliant. Integrating innovative energy technologies, alongside the transformation of energy markets and downstream industries, is a challenge and an opportunity.