ADB President Calls for Connected Power Systems as Energy Risks Mount

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (9 June 2026) — As Asia and the Pacific confront one of its most serious energy challenges in decades, countries must work together to build a cleaner, more secure power system that can move electricity across borders, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda said in the opening session of  the Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) 2026  at ADB Headquarters in Manila.

“We have been painfully reminded in recent weeks that, when it comes to energy security, no country can go it alone,” Mr. Kanda said. “We must build a power system that connects our economies, strengthens our resilience, and delivers energy across the region. Delay will mean higher prices, weaker growth, and lost opportunities for millions of people.”

Across Asia and the Pacific, more than 350 million people have limited access to energy while over 53 million have no access at all. The conflict in the Middle East has exposed significant energy vulnerability in many countries. This comes as energy demand in the region is projected to almost double by 2030 on the back of continuing economic growth, rapid urbanization, and surging demand from power-intensive artificial intelligence data centers.

ADB is working to address this challenge with the Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative (PAGI). The initiative will connect national and regional power systems so energy can flow across borders, shifting away from small-scale, country-to-country projects toward a coordinated and regional power trade.

By 2035, PAGI will mobilize $50 billion, with ADB providing half. The initiative is expected to connect 22,000 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines, integrate 20 gigawatts of renewable energy into a regional system, slash power sector emissions by 15%, and help create 840,000 jobs.

ADB has been working for more than 40 years to increase access to electricity in Asia and the Pacific. Energy plays a critical role in reducing poverty and driving economic growth. ADB’s work in the region is improving energy access for the region’s poorest people, promoting clean energy, fostering regional cooperation to meet energy demand, and helping improve energy policies. In 2025, ADB mobilized about $3.4 billion for energy projects and investments in Asia and Pacific.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.