ADB calls for connected power systems in Asia Pacific

The Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative is expected to mobilise $50b by 2035.

Countries in Asia and the Pacific must work together to build cleaner and more secure power systems that can move electricity across borders, Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda said.

Speaking at the opening session of the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2026 in Manila, Kanda said no country can address energy security alone.

He warned that delays in building connected power systems could lead to higher prices, weaker growth, and lost opportunities.

ADB said the region is facing one of its most serious energy challenges in decades, with the Middle East conflict exposing energy vulnerabilities in many countries.

More than 350 million people in Asia and the Pacific have limited access to energy, whilst over 53 million have no access at all.

Energy demand in the region is projected to almost double by 2030, driven by economic growth, rapid urbanisation, and rising demand from power-intensive artificial intelligence data centres.

ADB is addressing the issue through the Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative, which aims to connect national and regional power systems and support coordinated regional power trade.

By 2035, the initiative is expected to mobilise $50b, with ADB providing half.

The project is expected to connect 22,000 circuit-kilometres of transmission lines and integrate 20 gigawatts of renewable energy into a regional system.

It is also expected to reduce power sector emissions by 15% and help create 840,000 jobs.

ADB mobilised around $3.4b for energy projects and investments in Asia and the Pacific in 2025.