Brazil, Nov 21: At COP30, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and supported by Italy’s Ministry for the Environment and Energy, announced Phase II of the Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks (3DEN) Initiative, advancing 14 new digitalization projects across Africa and Brazil.
Phase II: Expanding Digitalization Across Energy & Agri-Food Systems
Building on the success of Phase I, the new phase broadens 3DEN’s scope beyond the power sector to include the agri-food system, where digital tools can significantly cut energy use, improve water efficiency, and enhance climate resilience.
Although renewables are now the world’s cheapest source of electricity, many nations struggle to use them effectively due to rigid grids, outdated infrastructure, and the absence of smart digital tools.
The 3DEN Initiative helps countries develop smarter, more resilient, low-carbon energy and agri-food systems, enabling higher renewable integration while improving efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Phase II aims to fast-track the digital innovation needed to modernize these systems and unleash the full potential of clean power.
Martin Krause, Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division, noted:
“We have the renewable resources and the technologies to decarbonize fast, but without modern grids, these solutions cannot deliver their full value. 3DEN Phase II fills this critical gap by helping countries strengthen the digital backbone of their power systems.”
Supported by €23 million from Italy, Phase II builds on the strong foundation of Phase I.
Italy highlighted its pride in conceiving and funding 3DEN, emphasizing how digital technologies — from smart meters to distributed renewables — strengthen resilience, competitiveness, and equality.
Phase I: A Proven Model for Digital Energy Transformation
Launched in 2021, Phase I deployed innovative digital tools in Brazil, Colombia, India, and Morocco, including forecasting systems, flexibility solutions, improved regulatory frameworks, and better integration of distributed generation.
Key Results from Phase I:
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Brazil: Homes equipped with solar, batteries, and digital monitoring tools saw energy use drop by 456 kWh annually, bills cut by 60–70%, and outages reduced by 60%.
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India (New Delhi): A digital twin of four grid areas helped identify weak points, cut losses, avoid costly upgrades, and save US$ 3,600 per transformer annually.
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Phase I reached 340,000 people, added 26 MW of clean power, mobilized US$ 9.2 million, and reduced over 5,000 tonnes of CO₂.
These outcomes demonstrated how smart digital investments accelerate clean energy adoption, strengthen resilience, and support climate and development goals.
Phase II Project Selection
The 14 projects in Phase II were chosen through an open call for proposals held from January to May 2025, which received 93 applications from eight countries. The final projects — representing a combined investment of US$ 28.6 million — span both agri-food and urban energy systems, reflecting 3DEN’s expanded mission to digitalize sectors critical for climate resilience and sustainable development.