Ten Principles for Power Sector Transformation in Emerging Economies

Access to reliable, affordable electricity is a key driver of economic growth in modern economies. The electric power sector, once a predictable and slow-moving industry, is now a complex system undergoing rapid transformation. Countries are in various stages of reforming and transforming their power sectors to better incorporate modern technologies, assure reliability and affordability, reduce harmful air emissions, meet a wide range of environmental goals, and achieve critical developmental objectives. This document offers action-oriented principles for emerging economy decision makers to consider while pursuing power system transformation (PST) pathways. They are organized into three categories: I. Foundations of Power System Transformation - important framework conditions for charting PST pathways; II. Accelerating Power System Transformation -- common strategies and approaches for accelerating PST efforts; and III. Moving Forward Inclusively with Power System Transformation -- considerations for fairness and equity in PST efforts.. Authors: Zinaman, Owen [Clean Energy Transition Partners, LLC, Shoreline, WA (United States)]; Logan, Jeffrey S. [National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)]; Arent, Douglas J. [National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)]; Zhou, Shengru [National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)]; Rose, Amy [National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)]. DOE Contract: AC36-08GO28308. Subjects: 24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; 29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY; flexibility; institutional change; integration; power system transformation