Output
1) This report synthesizes literature, policies, and case studies on off-grid, multi-energy microgrids in APEC economies. It identifies challenges, opportunities, and replicable models (e.g., villages, islands, industrial parks) based on best practices. Incorporating stakeholder consultations and survey data, the research provides a strong foundation for Output 3 (Toolkit). Methodology includes literature review, expert interviews, and survey questionnaires. This report will consolidate findings from field visits and/or virtual stakeholder interviews in selected APEC economies.
Activities will include:
Assessing microgrid projects in rural villages, islands, and industrial parks. Collecting technical, environmental, and socio-economic data.
Engaging with stakeholders (governments, utilities, communities) through on-site visits or online interviews.
Analyzing success factors and identifying reproducible best practices for replication in other economies. Target Economies: China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Peru, etc.(selected for energy access needs and demonstration value). Each case study engagement (field or virtual) is expected to take 3–5 days.
Targeted towards policymakers, researchers, and energy developers, this a minimum of 15 pages, excluding annexes report will also inform the workshop (Output 2).
2) Workshop
A one-day hybrid workshop will validate research, showcase microgrid pilots, and promote knowledge exchange on microgrid deployment. The one-day event, held in an APEC economy (TBD), is expected to draw policymakers, utility providers, engineers, and researchers from APEC economies. Discussions will refine the microgrid toolkit (Output 3) and demonstrate regional interest and capacity needs.
3) Standardised Technical Toolkit
This guide offers a concise roadmap for planning, designing, and deploying off-grid, multi-energy microgrids. It includes technical schematics, policy frameworks, and financing models, reflecting research and workshop feedback and tailored for developing APEC economies.
Format: Report (a minimum of 50 pages，excluding annexes), digital
publication on APEC platform
Content: Case studies, technical diagrams, checklists, recommended standards, and implementation pathways
Target group: Local governments, energy planners, NGOs, and community organizations
Lifecycle: the final report is medium- to long-term reference and reuse; Estimated online hosting period: 3 years , with a permanent archival copy on the APEC Publications site to prevent link rot.
Maintenance owner: PO is responsible for link upkeep, minor content errata, and annual checks；self fund.
Output linkage: Synthesizes Output 1 and integrates feedback from Output 2.
Outcome
Outcome 1: Increased knowledge and capacity among policymakers and practitioners on off-grid multi-energy complementary microgrids
This project enhances the knowledge and capacity of policymakers and practitioners in APEC economies to plan, deploy, and maintain renewable microgrids for improved clean energy access.
Linked Outputs: Preliminary Research Paper, Workshop Summary Report
Outcome 2: Improve access to microgrid implementation tools for APEC communities
The Toolkit provides replicable off-grid energy solutions to enhance energy resilience in APEC economies.
Linked Outputs: Output 1 (Research Paper), Output 3 (Toolkit)
Outcome 3: Strengthened regional collaboration and policy for decentralized renewable energy
By promoting regional dialogue and sharing best practices through the workshop and toolkit, the project fosters collaboration among APEC economies on energy resilience, climate goals, and sustainable infrastructure development.
Linked Outputs: Output 2 (Workshop Summary Report), Output 3 (Toolkit) Indicators:
Number of formal or informal partnerships initiated as a result of the workshop (target: 1+)
Number of shared policy recommendations cited in other APEC fora or regional strategies (target: 5 citations) Online engagement metrics (e.g., downloads, shares, views) exceeding 100 within 6 months of publication.
Beneficiaries
Primary Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries of this project will be government officials and policymakers from ministries and agencies in APEC member economies focused on energy, rural development, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. These participants will engage in workshops and discussions to share best practices and strategies for developing policies and roadmaps for deploying multi-energy complementary microgrid technologies. They will also gain insights into the importance of leveraging innovative technologies to accelerate the energy transition and achieve sustainable, carbon-neutral systems.
Energy utilities, developers, and APEC organizations such as the APEC EnergyWorking Group (EWG), EGNRET, APEC Sustainable Energy Center (APSEC), and the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC) will contribute as speakers and participants. Their involvement will ensure that the toolkit developed by this project is grounded in technical expertise and practical deployment strategies. These organizations will play a vital role in sharing regional energy data, best practices, and performance assessments of various microgrid technologies, essential for capacity building in APEC economies.
Additionally, international organizations like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will share global best practices on renewable energy technologies and digital resource maps, contributing to the knowledge sharing and capacity building needed for scalable and resilient energy systems.
Secondary Beneficiaries: Secondary beneficiaries include experts, researchers, academics in renewable energy technology, and private sector players involved in energy innovation. This project will provide valuable insights, tools, and frameworks to help them develop and implement off-grid microgrid systems and renewable energy technologies.
A special focus will be placed on women in the energy sector, who will benefit from inclusive capacity-building activities aimed at narrowing the gender gap in the industry. This project advocates for the creation of green jobs, enhances gender equality, and empowers women to contribute actively to energy transitions in their communities.
Local technicians and engineers in pilot communities will also benefit from hands-on training provided through workshops and toolkit dissemination, equipping them with the skills to maintain and operate the microgrids effectively.
The project will foster collaboration between primary and secondary beneficiary groups, ensuring knowledge exchange, joint problem-solving, and increased participation in the renewable energy sector across APEC economies.
Impact on APEC’s Long-Term Goals: The project’s direct and secondary beneficiaries will contribute to APEC’s energy resilience and sustainability goals, including doubling renewable energy capacity by 2030 and supporting the Putrajaya Vision to address environmental challenges.
Participants from government agencies will integrate the knowledge gained into their national energy roadmaps and policies, accelerating energy transitions and climate resilience across the region.
Specific stakeholders who will experience and use the outputs of the project in an immediate way are: community members in pilot locations, government officials/policymakers, energy utilities/developers, researchers/academics, local technicians/engineers, and community organizations.
