Mateo Salomon, the Principal Technical Advisor for Climate Change Mitigation at UNDP, shared some compelling insights recently about the future of energy systems. He said, “The energy transition we need isn’t just about adding renewables into the mix. It’s about creating a seamless, integrated system that works across all sectors and geographies.”
Mateo emphasized that the energy sector must move beyond fragmented, one-tech solutions. Instead, we need to embrace a holistic approach that adapts to evolving demands, climate challenges, and economic shifts. He explained, “This requires scaling adaptable, resilient energy systems that leverage artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and innovative financing to meet both today’s needs and tomorrow’s uncertainties. It’s a big challenge, but it’s also the path towards a truly sustainable and future-ready energy ecosystem.”
Tackling the Challenges of Energy Integration
At the recent UN Energy SDG7 Action Forum in New York, UNDP and Sustainable Energy for All co-hosted a session on integrating distributed renewable energy technologies. Mateo noted that the discussion, which included experts from GOGLA, Schneider Electric, and Acumen, revolved around the barriers preventing these systems from reaching their full potential.
He explained, “Persistent challenges include financial constraints like accessing both local and hard currencies, regulatory hurdles, and misaligned business models. Historically, the energy sector has focused on supply and economic growth, often sidelining environmental and social impacts. Addressing this now requires cross-sector collaboration and innovative solutions.”
Mateo pointed to examples where progress is being made, such as GOGLA’s efforts to align national electrification plans with local realities in Kenya and Nigeria. He also highlighted Acumen’s financial models in Malawi, such as cross-currency swaps, which have shown that traditional barriers like currency devaluation can be overcome with creative financing.
“It’s not just about deploying technologies,” Mateo said. “We need energy systems that meet the future needs of agriculture, industry, transport, health, and education. These solutions must be backed by partnerships, innovative financing, and supportive legal frameworks to attract private investment and ensure sustainability.”
Redefining Off-Grid Technologies
Mateo also addressed misconceptions about off-grid technologies. “Distributed renewable energy solutions, like minigrids and solar home systems, aren’t just stopgap measures for rural areas,” he said. “They are integral to the future of energy infrastructure everywhere.”
To illustrate, he cited the new microgrid at JFK Airport’s terminal, which operates as a federated system of “power islands.” “This is a blueprint for resilient energy infrastructure,” Mateo said. He noted how the integration of IoT-enabled energy management platforms and fuel cells for heat recovery demonstrates the adaptability of modern systems, not just in urban centers but also in remote areas like Sub-Saharan Africa.
Unlocking the Power of AI
Mateo shared that UNDP is increasingly using AI to revolutionize energy planning. He said, “Our collaboration with IBM has led to AI-powered tools that forecast energy usage and simulate grid dynamics. These innovations help stakeholders visualize complex scenarios, making it easier to plan for growth and incorporate technologies like electric vehicles and smart grids.”
He emphasized the importance of building flexible systems capable of managing renewable energy and storage solutions in real time. “We must move beyond viewing minigrids and solar home systems as standalone technologies,” Mateo explained. “These need to be part of broader infrastructure planning that integrates smart grids, mobile storage, and digital energy management systems.”
A Vision for the Future
Wrapping up his thoughts, Mateo posed a critical question: “It’s not just about providing basic energy access to underserved communities. The real challenge is building future-proof energy systems that will serve them for decades.”
He concluded with a call to action: “By moving beyond narrow, tech-driven solutions and embracing holistic approaches, we can create an energy infrastructure that ensures sustainability, resilience, and prosperity for all.”
This vision is ambitious, but as Mateo noted, it’s the path forward if we’re to meet the growing demands of a changing world.
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