Global power digitalisation initiative 3DEN enters phase two
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The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), with the support of the Italian government, have launched the second phase of the 3DEN initiative, this time looking to accelerate power system and agricultural digitalisation in different African countries.
Phase two of 3DEN (Demand-Driven Electricity Networks Initiative), will focus on Africa and widen its scope to back resource-efficiency in agriculture.
Specifically, the second phase is looking to fund projects that accelerate the digitalisation of agriculture and urban energy networks, starting with seven African nations – Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Tunisia – alongside Brazil.
The projects will address infrastructure challenges, improve digital literacy and ensure affordable access to digital tools.
Phase two will also support the implementation of innovations that build resilience and profitability within the agricultural sector, enabling farmers and agribusinesses to make informed, data-driven decisions and minimise the use of valuable natural resources.
Examples of the kind of technologies 3DEN is looking to back include:
- Precision agriculture. By using sensors and data analytics, farmers can optimise crop yields and reduce resource use, minimising waste in inputs like water and fertilizer.
- Smart irrigation: Digital irrigation systems can adjust water levels based on real-time data, helping to conserve water, a crucial resource in many African regions.
- Digital marketplaces and blockchain: Digital platforms provide farmers with better market access and pricing transparency. Blockchain technology, for instance, can offer traceability, enhancing quality and safety standards across the supply chain.
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Commenting in a release was Dechen Tsering, acting interim director of UNEP’s Climate Division: “Action to address global warming and its impacts is not strong enough or fast enough.
“Cutting emissions from the power sector is crucial to catch up and protect people and the planet, which is why 3DEN can make a real difference.
“Smart technologies allow greater efficiency in power systems and make it easier to integrate renewable sources into grids, which can deliver power to millions more people without increasing emissions. UNEP is grateful to Italy for its support and looks forward to delivering a stronger impact in the second phase, including by backing African farmers to grow more with fewer resources.”
Added Alessandro Guerri, director general for European and international affairs and sustainable finance at the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security: “With the launch of the second phase of the 3DEN initiative, Italy reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fostering innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions for the energy transition.
“This effort is strengthened by the pivotal collaboration of the International Energy Agency and the United Nations Environment Programme, whose expertise and leadership play a crucial role in shaping global strategies.”
A successful phase one
Phase one of the project was launched in 2021 to spread the use of smart technologies that optimise power use, saving energy and money, and preventing greenhouse gas emissions.
During phase one of the project, the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, in collaboration with UNEP, supported pilot projects in Brazil, Colombia, India and Morocco.
Phase one achievements listed by the UNEP include:
- In Brazil, the pilot project empowered residents in social housing by using smart digital tools to manage their energy consumption, reducing costs and energy waste.
- In Colombia, the Enelflex project engaged over 100,000 users in a demand-response initiative, reducing power interruptions and emissions.
- In India, a consortium developed a digital twin for electric distribution grids in partnership with Panitek Power and the Energy and Resources Institute. This tool enhanced operational reliability, improved outage management and reduced costs for 20,000 consumers.
- In Morocco, the project supported Les Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès to implement advanced energy monitoring systems, reducing energy consumption by 25%.
Italy has contributed €20 million ($20.7 million) to the 3DEN initiative since 2020.
