EEAP Webinar 13 Summary Notes AI and Evaluation of Energy Programs and Policies

On November 12, 2024, the Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific (EEAP) hosted its 13th webinar focusing on the important topic of ‘AI and Evaluation of Energy Programs and Policies’. This insightful webinar featured three notable speakers:

  • Edward Vine, Affiliate, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and Steering Committee Member, Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific (EEAP)
  • Haider Khan, Vice President, Energy Analytics, ICF
  • Laura Gagliardone, Programme Coordinator Consultant UN WOMEN Headquarters, New York

Ed’s presentation focused on equipping evaluators with foundational knowledge and actionable guidance on utilizing AI to enhance the evaluation of energy programs and policies, emphasizing key concepts, challenges, and practical approaches for informed decision-making. Haider shared insights and experiences on how AI is transforming energy programs and policies by highlighting current trends, groundbreaking innovations, and future possibilities, offering a comprehensive view of the evolving landscape. Laura provided the participants with practical guidance for assessing the risks of AI applications in monitoring and evaluation, emphasizing ethical considerations, data reliability, and potential biases.

This webinar explored the broader implications of integrating AI into the evaluation of energy programs and policies, focusing on how AI enhanced energy-related assessments and evaluations. It delved into the opportunities AI presented to transform traditional evaluation practices while addressing key challenges like ethics, accountability, and managing the risks of AI applications. Participants gained valuable insights into balancing cutting-edge technologies with responsible, impactful evaluation approaches aligned with the evolving needs of the energy sector.

Presentations:

  1. Edward Vine, Affiliate, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and Steering Committee Member, Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific (EEAP), “AI and Energy Program and Policy Evaluation: Setting the Stage and Guidance for Evaluators”
  2. Haider Khan, Vice President Energy Analytics, ICF, “AI for Energy Programs and Policies Unveiled: Current Trends, Innovations, and Future Horizons”
  3. Laura Gagliardone, Programme Coordinator Consultant UN WOMEN Headquarters, New York, “Quick Tips to Assess the Risks of AI Applications in Monitoring and Evaluation”

Summary Notes

Download Summary notes here.

Recording:

Access the recording here.

EEAP Webinar 12 Summary Notes Evaluation for Policy Making

On October 4, 2024, the Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific (EEAP) hosted its 12th webinar focusing on the important topic of ‘Evaluation for Policy Making’. This insightful webinar featured three notable speakers:

  • Jarred Metoyer, Senior Vice President, Energy Markets and Risk North America, Energy Systems, DNV
  • Jean-Sébastien Broc, Consultant and Researcher at IEECP (Institute for European Energy & Climate Policy)
  • Juha I. Uitto, Former Director Independent Evaluation Office of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Jarred Metoyer shared important lessons learned from evaluation of energy programs and policies from California and Massachusetts, who are leaders in the US. Dr. Jean-Sébastien Broc shared insights from the experience of how evaluation shapes energy policies in Europe. Dr. Juha I. Uitto presented how evaluation functions in the Global Environment Facility and how it influences energy and environmental policies.

The webinar served to emphasize how evaluators can maximize the impact of their work by having a better understanding of the policy cycle, including how policies are developed, designed, and implemented across various stages. Integrating evaluation at these stages ensures that policies are not only evidence-based but also more effective and responsive to real-world challenges. 

Presentations:

  1. Jarred Metoyer, Senior Vice President, Energy Markets and Risk North America, Energy Systems, DNV, “Evaluation Lessons Learned from California and Massachusetts – the US EE Leaders”
  2. Jean-Sébastien Broc, Consultant and Researcher at IEECP (Institute for European Energy & Climate Policy), “Evaluation for policy making: Insights from Europe”
  3.  Juha I. Uitto, Former Director Independent Evaluation Office of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), “Evaluation for policy making: Use and utility of evaluation at the Global Environment Facility”

Summary Notes

Download Summary notes here.

Recording:

Access the recording here.

EEAP Newsletter – Issue 7 – August 2024

📢 Announcing the 7th Issue of EEAP’s Newsletter 🌍

We are pleased to release the latest edition of EEAP’s newsletter, providing valuable insights and updates for energy evaluation professionals.
In this issue, we cover:
🔹Insightful Article on Measuring the Social Impact of Clean Energy Policies
🔹Key Takeaways and essential highlights from recent webinars and events organized by EEAP
🔹Valuable Energy Evaluation resources maintained by EEAP
🔹Spotlight on Steering Committee Member: Learn about Nina Campbell’s inspiring story
🔹Stay informed about our future initiatives

EEAP Newsletter August 2024-Q2

Best Wishes,

The Energy Evaluation Team

EEAP organized a Workshop on Energy Evaluation 101 during Youth-in-Evaluation Week

EEAP organized a Workshop on Energy Evaluation 101 during Youth-in-Evaluation Week

The second annual Youth in Evaluation Week was organized from July 8 – 12, 2024, to unite young and senior evaluation professionals worldwide. This intergenerational event aimed at generating greater commitment and action towards meaningful youth engagement in evaluation, aligning with the UN Summit of the Future 2024.
To mark the youth-in-evaluation week, Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific organized an interactive workshop on Energy Evaluation 101 on July 10th. The objective of the workshop was to increase the interest of youth in the Evaluation of Energy programs and Policies and increase their knowledge and understanding of the field.

This interactive session, expertly facilitated by the experienced steering committee members of EEAP, was packed with insights and vibrant discussions. The workshop included in-depth exploration of key energy evaluation concepts, discussion on practical case studies and real-world applications and also offered networking opportunities for young professionals with peers and industry leaders.

It was inspiring to see the next generation of evaluators and energy experts so passionate and engaged!

The workshop covered the following key topics:

  • What is Energy Evaluation?
  • What Methods, Indicators, and Metrics are Commonly Used in Energy Evaluation?
  • Who are the Key Stakeholders in Energy Evaluations?
  • What are the Typical Issues and Challenges Addressed in Energy Evaluations?
  • What are the Emerging Trends and Innovations in Energy Evaluation?
  • What Role Can Young and Emerging Evaluators Play in the Field of Energy Evaluation?
  • How is Energy Evaluation Relevant to Your Work?

Presentations:

Presentation Slides from Energy Evaluation 101 Workshop

Recording:

Access the Workshop Recording here.

EEAP Webinar 11 Summary Notes

On June 7, 2024, Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific organized its 11th webinar during the gLOCAL2024 evaluation week, focusing on the important topics of Transforming the Way We Measure Clean Energy Transitions.  The webinar featured two speakers; Michael Williamson, Section Chief Energy Division, United Nations ESCAP and Divya Gaur, Program Lead, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), India.

Michael provided an overview of the Asia-Pacific region’s progress on SDG7 for clean and affordable energy access. He provided an update on how we are tracking against SDG7 targets, and offered insights on approaches to high-level measurement, the emerging opportunities and the challenges in evaluating SDG7 targets. Divya shared an innovative project from India evaluating renewable energy’s impact on livelihoods. The project used indicators for affordability, productivity, and gender equality across large, medium, and micro-scale projects.

The discussions underscored the importance of measuring the broader impact of clean energy transitions, going beyond energy and carbon savings, and assessing the social, economic, and environmental benefits and challenges of clean energy initiatives.

Presentations:

    1. Michael Williamson, Section Chief Energy Division, United Nations ESCAP, Evaluating SDG 7 progress in Asia and the Pacific

 

    Summary Notes

    Download Summary notes here.

    Recording:

    Access the recording here.

    EEAP Webinar 10: Summary Note

    Energy Evaluation in Asia Pacific: Latest Updates

    On May 7, 2024, the Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific (EEAP) hosted its 10th webinar focusing on the crucial topic of ‘Measuring Progress on Energy Wellbeing in New Zealand’. This insightful webinar featured two notable speakers: Dr. Phoebe Taptiklis, Research Fellow, Motu Economic Public Policy Research, New Zealand, and Dr. Caroline Fyfe, Post-doctoral Researcher, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. The webinar served to provide a guided tour of two important evaluations which measured the impact of New Zealand’s recent energy hardship policies.

    Presentations:

    1. ‘Evaluating the Maori and Public Housing Renewable Energy Fund: Interim findings from the first winter’, Dr. Phoebe Taptiklis, Research Fellow, Motu Economic Public Policy Research, New Zealand

    2. ‘Quantifying the impacts of energy efficient heating: The Warmer Kiwis Programme’, Dr. Caroline Fyfe, Post-doctoral Researcher, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

     

     

    EEAP Webinar 9: Summary Note

    Energy Evaluation in Asia Pacific: Latest Updates

    On April 18, 2024, the Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific (EEAP) hosted the 4th session of its webinar series, dedicated to the “Evaluation of SDG7 Policies and Programs in Asia Pacific.” This enlightening webinar featured two distinguished speakers: Ada Ocampo, President of IDEAS – International Development Evaluation Association, and Henry Adams Co-founder and Director at Common Capital, Australia.

    Henry provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities inherent in evaluating and adapting clean energy affordability programs in the context of evolving climate policy objectives, stressing the importance of transformative thinking and data-driven approaches. Ada provided a comprehensive overview of the rationale, challenges, and importance of country-led evaluations in assessing progress towards the SDGs and contributing to transformative change.

    The discussions underscored the need for transformative approaches, such as rethinking program design and adopting a systems perspective, to effectively address challenges and maximize benefits, whether in clean energy affordability programs or SDG evaluations. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of equity, data-driven analysis, and active participation to ensure inclusive and sustainable outcomes. This document summarizes the key discussion points from the webinar.

    Presentations:

    1.  “Country-led evaluation of the SDGs: Why and why now?”,  Ada Ocampo, President, IDEAS,

    EEAP Webinar 8: Summary Note

    Energy Evaluation in Asia Pacific: Latest Updates

    On March 20, 2024, Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific (EEAP) hosted its 3rd webinar session, focusing on “Evaluation of SDG7 Policies and Programs in Asia Pacific.” This engaging webinar featured two esteemed speakers from South Asia: Fayyaz Ahmed, MEL Coordinator at Mercy Corps from Pakistan, and Sadeep Acharya, Managing Director of Jalpadevi Auto Repairing Center Pvt. Ltd from Nepal.

    Fayyaz’s presentation delved into evaluating SDG 7 at the policy level, drawing insights from policy briefs supporting the UN High-Level Political Forum 2023. Sadeep shed light on the challenges and opportunities in tracking energy access in remote areas of Nepal.

    The webinar served as a valuable platform for knowledge-sharing on policymaking to achieve the SDG7 goal of universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030. It also underscored the importance of balancing innovation, collaboration, and continuous evaluation in the journey towards sustainable energy solutions. This document encapsulates the key discussion points from the webinar.

    Presentations:

    1. “Evaluating SDG7 at the Policy Level”- Fayyaz Ahmed, MEL Coordinator at Mercy Corps, Pakistan 
    2. “Challenges and Opportunities in Tracking Energy Access in Remote Areas” – Sadeep Acharya, Managing Director, Jalpadevi Auto Repairing Center Pvt. Ltd

    EEAP Newsletter – Issue 6 – March 2024

    Exciting News Alert!

    We’re thrilled to announce the release of the newest issue of the Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific (EEAP) newsletter! Dive into the latest updates, insightful articles, and valuable resources covering a wide range of topics in energy evaluation. From insightful articles on the relevance of energy evaluation, and learnings from EEAP’s webinars to spotlights on Steering Committee members and regional evaluation updates, this issue has it all. Stay informed, inspired, and empowered to make a difference in the dynamic world of energy evaluation.

    Best Wishes,

    The Energy Evaluation Team

    EEAP Webinar 7: Summary Note

    Energy Evaluation in Asia Pacific: Latest Updates

    On January 31, 2024, the Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific (EEAP) hosted the second session of its webinar series, dedicated to the “Evaluation of SDG7 Policies and Programs in Asia Pacific.” This enlightening webinar featured two distinguished speakers: Dayyan Shayani, a Statistician at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and Sohini Mookherjee, Lead at Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab,( J-PAL) and CLEAR South Asia.

    Dayyan Shayani presented an overview of the progress toward the SDG7 goal in the Asia Pacific since 2015, drawing on available data for the six SDG7 indicators. Sohini’s presentation delved into evidence from ongoing Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) related to energy access in India, offering key takeaways for policymakers involved in implementing energy policies.

    The webinar provided a valuable platform for knowledge-sharing and learning about the advancement of SDG7 in the Asia Pacific region. It underscored the importance of employing robust evaluation methods to generate evidence on the impact of policies and programs. This document summarizes the key discussion points from the webinar.

    Presentations:

    1. “Is Asia Pacific progressing on SDG7?”- Dayyan Shayani, Statistician, United Nations ESCAP Statistics Division.
    2. “Lessons Learned about SDG7 Evaluation” Sohini Mook, Lead at Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab ( J-PAL) and CLEAR SA.