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At COP30, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and supported by Italy’s Ministry for the Environment and Energy, announced the second phase of the Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks (3DEN) Initiative, which will advance 14 new projects across Africa and Brazil.
Phase II expands 3DEN’s work beyond the power sector into the agri-food system, where digital tools can help countries reduce energy use, improve water efficiency, and strengthen climate resilience.
By promoting smarter, low-carbon systems, the initiative aims to make renewable energy more reliable, affordable, and accessible, particularly for African countries facing growing energy demand and infrastructure challenges.
“We have the renewable resources and the technologies to decarbonize fast, but without modern grids, these solutions cannot deliver their full value,” said Martin Krause, Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division.
“3DEN Phase II fills this critical gap by helping countries upgrade the digital backbone of their power systems, ensuring clean energy benefits reach all communities.”
Although renewable energy is now the cheapest source of electricity globally, many African countries struggle to use it effectively due to grid inflexibility, outdated infrastructure, and limited digital tools.
The 3DEN initiative addresses these barriers by enabling countries to integrate higher shares of renewable power while improving efficiency and reliability and reducing system costs.
Backed by €23 million from Italy, Phase II builds on the success of the first phase launched in 2021.
Phase I shaped global guidance on digital power systems, demonstrating how smart investments can cut emissions, expand energy access, and drive climate and development goals.
Through four pilots, it reached 340,000 people, added 26 MW of clean power, mobilized US$9.2 million, and reduced over 5,000 tonnes of CO₂, showing the power of digitalization in accelerating the energy transition.
“Italy is proud to have conceived and funded 3DEN, in partnership with UNEP and IEA,” said Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italy’s Minister of Environment and Energy Security.
“The Italian experience from smart meters to integrating distributed renewables demonstrates that digital technology strengthens resilience, competitiveness, and equality.”
Projects under Phase II were selected through an open call for proposals held from January to May 2025, which received 93 applications from eight countries.
Following a rigorous and independent eligibility review and due diligence process, 14 projects were approved, representing a combined investment volume of US$28.6 million.
These initiatives span both agri-food and urban energy systems, reflecting 3DEN’s expanded focus on digitalization across sectors crucial for climate resilience and sustainable development.
By combining technology with renewable energy integration, these projects aim to reduce costs, improve reliability, and empower countries to accelerate their climate and development goals.
As the world faces rising energy demand, water scarcity, and climate-related shocks, initiatives like 3DEN are critical for building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable systems.
By bridging the gap between renewable energy potential and digital infrastructure, Phase II positions the impacted countries to harness modern technology for a greener and more equitable future.
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