Imagine a world where energy is clean, accessible, and affordable for everyone. Sounds utopian, right? Well, thanks to groundbreaking initiatives like the Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks (3DEN) Initiative, that future is becoming a reality. Announced at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, on November 19, 2025, the second phase of 3DEN, a collaboration between UNEP, the International Energy Agency, and supported by Italy's Ministry for the Environment and Energy, is set to revolutionize energy and agri-food systems across Africa and Brazil. But here's where it gets interesting...
This isn't just about making things greener; it's about making them smarter. Phase II expands 3DEN's reach beyond the power sector, diving into the agri-food system. Why? Because innovative digital tools can drastically cut energy use, boost water efficiency, and strengthen climate resilience in this crucial sector. Think about it: optimizing irrigation, reducing food waste, and improving supply chains—all powered by digital solutions.
Renewable energy sources are now the cheapest electricity option globally. However, many countries struggle to fully utilize them due to inflexible grids, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of digital tools. 3DEN steps in to help these countries build smarter, more resilient, and low-carbon energy and agri-food systems. This enables them to integrate more renewable power while improving efficiency, reliability, and cutting system costs. Phase II will accelerate the digital innovation needed to modernize power and agri-food systems, fully harnessing the potential of renewable energy.
"We have the renewable resources and the technologies to decarbonize fast, but without modern grids, these solutions cannot deliver their full value," explains 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 is reliable, affordable, and accessible to all."
Backed by Italy with a substantial €23 million investment, Phase II builds on the success of Phase I, which launched in 2021. Italy's Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, highlights Italy's pride in conceiving and funding 3DEN, emphasizing that digital technology is a factor of resilience, competitiveness, and equality.
Phase I: A Roaring Success
Phase I of the 3DEN Initiative saw pilot projects in Brazil, Colombia, India, and Morocco. These projects deployed new digital tools for forecasting, system flexibility, and demand-side resource encouragement. They also improved the integration of distributed generation and supported utilities and system operators in cutting financial losses and enhancing resilience.
- Brazil: A 3DEN-backed project equipped homes with solar panels, batteries, and digital devices, empowering families to monitor and manage their energy use. Households cut electricity use by an average of 456 kWh a year, with bill savings between 60% and 70%. Batteries provided backup during outages, reducing blackouts by 60%.
- India: The New Delhi initiative created a virtual replica of the physical grid, identifying weak points and targeting repairs. This digital twin technology helped BSES Rajdhani Power improve energy supply management, avoid costly infrastructure upgrades, and save over US$ 3,600 per transformer each year.
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.
But here's a question for you: Do you think these digital solutions are the key to a sustainable energy future, or are there other factors we should be prioritizing?
More Details
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.
About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
What do you think? Are these digital advancements the future of energy, or are there other approaches that deserve more attention? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
