IEEE International Decentralized Energy Solutions Conference
January 07, 2025 - January 09, 2025
Completed The IEEE International Decentralized Energy Solutions (IDEAS) Conference, set to take place in Bali, Indonesia, is a pivotal event aimed at addressing one of the most pressing global challenges: energy access. As the world continues to confront the reality of nearly one billion people living without reliable electricity access, particularly in regions like Africa and South Asia, the conference provides a unique opportunity to explore decentralized energy solutions that can change this dynamic. However, the relevance of decentralized energy extends far beyond these regions, as numerous other communities across the globe face similar technological and infrastructural challenges.
The IEEE Power Electronics Society has long been committed to finding innovative solutions to energy access issues, and one of the most significant initiatives in this regard is the Empower a Billion Lives (EBL) global competition. This competition seeks to drive the development of affordable, sustainable, and scalable energy solutions that can be implemented in off-grid areas, providing a lifeline to people who are otherwise left out of the modern energy grid. To further this mission, the IEEE established a new Technical Committee (TC-12) dedicated to energy access through decentralized solutions, which will host the IDEAS Conference. This initiative underscores the growing importance of decentralized energy systems not just as a technical challenge but as a humanitarian imperative.
IDEAS aims to serve as a comprehensive platform for technologists, researchers, and practitioners to engage in technical presentations, special sessions, and deep discussions on energy access challenges. It will also host the Global Energy Access Forum (GEAF), which is designed to foster crosscutting conversations about the barriers and opportunities in achieving universal energy access. The forum will bring together experts from various disciplines—ranging from engineering and technology to policy-making and finance—to collaborate on practical solutions and strategies that can accelerate the deployment of decentralized energy systems worldwide.
The conference will address a broad range of topics, from microgrids and solar home systems to innovative storage technologies and energy efficiency solutions. These technologies are not only vital for communities without electricity but also offer potential solutions for enhancing grid reliability and resilience in more developed regions, particularly in the face of natural disasters or power disruptions. A key theme of IDEAS will be the role of technology in empowering underserved populations, enabling them to access reliable and affordable energy sources that can drive local economic development, improve education, healthcare, and overall quality of life.
In addition to its focus on technology, IDEAS will play a crucial role in the planning and pre-launch events for the Empower a Billion Lives competition. This competition is not just a contest of ideas, but a global movement to bring practical, scalable solutions to the people who need them most. By aligning the conference with the EBL competition, IDEAS will help catalyze new partnerships, collaborations, and innovations that can be implemented on the ground, turning visionary concepts into tangible, real-world solutions. The event will encourage the development of low-cost, locally adaptable energy systems that can be deployed in off-grid communities, and provide a platform for startups, NGOs, and social enterprises to showcase their work.
The IDEAS Conference in Bali offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the progress made in decentralized energy solutions while charting a course for the future. It will foster a sense of shared responsibility and collective action, emphasizing that energy access is not just a technical issue, but a global challenge that requires coordinated efforts across sectors and regions. By bringing together leaders in energy, technology, and policy, IDEAS will help bridge the gap between innovation and implementation, ensuring that the benefits of modern energy systems can reach the billion people still living in energy poverty.
Ultimately, the IEEE International Decentralized Energy Solutions Conference is more than just a gathering of experts; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that the transition to decentralized energy systems is not just about advancing technology, but about improving lives, creating opportunities, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the global energy transition.
