ADB commits $5 billion for ASEAN Power Grid
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed to mobilise $30 billion for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by 2030, including $5 billion dedicated to accelerating development of the ASEAN Power Grid.
ADB President Masato Kanda announced the commitment during the 48th ASEAN Summit held in Cebu on May 8, 2026, where he participated as Guest of the Chair under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The $5 billion allocation for the ASEAN Power Grid forms part of ADB’s previously announced support package of up to $10 billion for the regional grid initiative through 2035.
The ASEAN Power Grid is one of five flagship regional initiatives covered under the broader $30 billion financing commitment. Other priority areas include $6 billion for capital market deepening, along with investments focused on artificial intelligence readiness, blue economy development and river resilience programmes.
Kao Kim Hourn welcomed the announcement, stating that the commitment reflects confidence in ASEAN’s ability to advance regional energy connectivity and climate resilience objectives.
The latest announcement follows ADB’s recent commitment to support $70 billion in energy and digital infrastructure investments across Asia and the Pacific by 2035. This broader programme includes a $50 billion Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative and a $20 billion Asia-Pacific Digital Highway initiative. According to ADB, the Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative aims to integrate 20 GW of cross-border renewable energy capacity, develop 22,000 circuit-kilometres of transmission infrastructure and improve electricity access for nearly 200 million people by 2035.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
