The Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) 2026 marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the Asian Development Bank’s 60th anniversary and addressed the most pressing challenges in the clean energy transition.

ACEF 2026 signified a crucial milestone in the institution’s energy engagement in Asia and the Pacific. The forum reflected ADB’s updated Energy Policy in 2025 and responded to the region’s growing demand for clean energy solutions that were secure, resilient, and inclusive. It took place against a backdrop of economic uncertainty in Asia and the Pacific, with regional growth projected to slow to 4.0% in 2026. At the same time, persistent energy access gaps continued to affect more than 400 million people, while rising geopolitical and trade tensions added further pressure on economies across the region.

ACEF served as a regional platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of practical clean energy solutions that went beyond conventional transition models. The forum brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments, private sector actors, academia, financial institutions, NGOs, and development partners, to collectively address the region’s pressing energy challenges and emerging opportunities.

ACEF 2026 focused on advancing four essential areas: (i) building energy security through diversified, reliable clean energy sources; (ii) developing resilient systems that could withstand disruptions; (iii) promoting inclusion through equitable access and participation; and (iv) developing intelligent energy systems that use digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and smart grids to improve management efficiency.