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Energy

ADB is working to increase access to reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy across Asia and the Pacific to reduce poverty and promote development.

  • Around 150 million people in Asia and the Pacific lack access to electricity, while many more cook using unhealthy, polluting fuels, stunting economic growth and social development
     

    Around 150 million people in Asia and the Pacific lack access to electricity, while many more cook using unhealthy, polluting fuels, stunting economic growth and social development.

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  • Fossil fuels account for 75% of Asia's energy and the region accounts for more than half of global consumption.
     

    Fossil fuels account for 75% of Asia's energy and the region accounts for more than half of global consumption.

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  • The adverse impact of climate change requires an urgent just transition to clean energy.
     

    The adverse impact of climate change requires an urgent just transition to clean energy.

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  • Population without access to electricity

    Around 150 million people in Asia and the Pacific lack access to electricity.

  • Asia and the Pacific infrastructure needs, 2016-2030

    Climate adjusted investment in energy accounts for 56% of what the region needs up to 2030.

  • Share of greenhouse gas emissions

    Asia and the Pacific accounts for more than 50% of global CO2 emissions where more than half comes from electricity and heat.

ADB's focus on energy

ADB is working to improve access to reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy across Asia and the Pacific. Through its various financing instruments, ADB develops projects in renewable energy generation, electricity transmission and distribution, and energy utilities. Policy and governance reform has been central to ADB’s approach in the sector to enable markets, encourage private sector participation, and promote clean energy.

Given the enormous needs, ADB works with its developing member countries, development partners, and the private sector in creating a competitive market environment to ensure access to clean, affordable energy. ADB’s 2021 Energy Policy focuses the bank’s resources where they can make the biggest difference in terms of addressing energy access and security, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

Our Impact

Results delivered in 2021 from ADB projects.

0 megawatts

Renewable energy capacity installed

0 million tCO2e/year

Total annual greenhouse gas
emissions reduction

*tCO2e = tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent

0

Low-carbon infrastructure
established or improved

Sources:
2021 Development Effectiveness Review

Your Questions Answered

  • What role has ADB played over the decades in the electrification of Asia and the Pacific?

     

    From 2008 to 2021, ADB invested approximately $12 billion in energy access projects providing energy to more than 45 million households in the region. However, there is much more to do. About 150 million people in Asia and the Pacific still have no access to electricity.

  • Most economies in Asia and the Pacific are driven by fossil fuels, what’s ADB’s policy on financing and supporting carbon-based energy projects?

     

    Under ADB’s Energy Policy 2021, ADB will not support coal mining, processing, storage, and transportation, nor any new coal-fired power generation. ADB will also not support any natural gas exploration or drilling. The bank will be selective in its support for midstream and downstream natural gas initiatives.

  • How does lack of electricity and other energy sources limit economic and social development?

     

    Energy is a key input in social and economic activities in a country. Access to reliable energy supplies provides, among others, increased opportunities for income generation, along with better health care and education and thus improved living standards.

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What's New

Experts

Priyantha Wijayatunga
Priyantha Wijayatunga

Chief of Energy Sector Group

More Experts

Kee-Yung Nam
Kee-Yung Nam

Principal Energy Economist

David Morgado
David Morgado

Senior Energy Specialist

Steve Peters
Steve Peters

Senior Energy Specialist

Contact

  Email the Energy Sector Group

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