MANILA, PHILIPPINES (18 March 2020) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today announced a $6.5 billion initial package to address the immediate needs of its developing member countries (DMCs) as they respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic."This pandemic has become a major global crisis. It requires forceful action at national, regional, and global levels,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa.

In this summary of the chapter on air pollution of Greening Markets: Market-Based Approaches for Environmental Management in Asia, the authors provide an overview and assessment on the suitability of using different market-based instruments to address air pollution caused by energy production, industry, transport, and household fuel use in Asia. Recommendations and enabling conditions are provided for the use of specific interventions for more efficient and effective air quality management.

A review of literature presents the strengths, limitations and effectiveness of fiscal incentives in promoting industrial energy efficiency from various case studies in the region. Some instruments were found to be effective (e.g. voluntary agreements and careful planning in the Peoples Republic of China, market-based instruments were found to efficiently reduce energy intensity). Direct subsidies proved, as expected to put pressure on government budgets with few results.

Discover how solar projects in Indonesia have helped employ women and have provided economic opportunities for women.Indonesia is committed to leveraging its solar energy resource to help increase the share of renewable energy supply into its overall energy mix to 23% by 2025.ADB has invested a $40.2 million financing package to four solar PV power plants developed and operated by Vena Energy in North Sulawesi and Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

A $37 million financing package from ADB, Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia, and Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund (LEAP) has assisted Da Nhim–Ham Thuan–Da Mi Hydro Power Joint Stock Company (DHD) to build the first large-scale floating solar PV panels in Viet Nam and the largest installation in Southeast Asia.The 47.5 MW floating solar project supports Viet Nam’s commitment to boosting the share of renewable energy in the country’s overall energy mix.

COVID-19 has exposed the vulnerability of energy value chains but solar power could be an indigenous solution to keep the lights on during a crisis.The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted the life of hundreds of millions in many countries. It has also severely disrupted the value chains of global businesses. The renewable energy sector is not immune to the virus, and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are particularly vulnerable.The pandemic has exposed weaknesses in the solar energy value chain in Asia and the Pacific.

This future, indeed, can be realized according to KARM CD Nariman Mannapbekov and ERCD’s Aimee Hapnel, in this blog that proposes that renewable energy, innovation, and investment can ensure a low-carbon future in Kazakhstan without having to sacrifice the economic and social welfare of its people.

Turkmenistan is working on an innovative program introduce solar power generated steam in a gas fired power station and allow the turbine to use both solar and gas-powered steam based on availability to generate electricity.As signatories to the Paris Agreement, Central Asia’s fossil fuel rich countries have all committed to reduce emissions. Solar power is a natural alternative but the challenges are numerous. Solar power’s first criticism as being expensive is no longer there. Cheap solar power has destroyed the traditional mindsets of many system planners.

Energy SG Chief Yongping Zhai, in his latest blog, outlines the critical features to help countries transition smoothly and effectively to clean energy without compromising on reliability of supply, universal access, and sustainability.Judicious, comprehensive, and long-term planning entails taking into consideration how countries that have announced net zero emission targets need to set actions for reducing carbon emission intensity in GDP, peaking carbon dioxide emissions, and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.Readily available and dispatchable renewable energy sources will be

In this case study, CWEN shares how they overcame the challenges of designing and preparing the Balakot Hydropower Development Project in Pakistan. The $300 million project that was approved in March 2021 will construct a 300-megawatt hydropower plant.