This book examines clean energy financing and approaches in hydropower and demand-side energy efficiency projects, along with policies and strategies based on experiences in South Asia. It is the second of the two volumes of books on Financing Clean Energy in Developing Asia produced by ADB. The two volumes review tried and tested approaches and instruments in scaling up clean energy development in Asia and the Pacific.

This publication highlights lessons from 26 case studies in the Cook Islands and Tonga. It provides recommendations on improving the implementation of battery energy storage and renewable energy-based hybrid electricity systems.

The publication highlights the role of CCUS in decarbonizing hydrogen production from fossil fuels; CCUS-readiness of the cement and iron and steel industries; recommendations on CCUS deployment under the 14th Five-Year Plan; and implications for CCUS of the PRC’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. It was developed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in consultation with the government of the PRC and other stakeholders.

This publication provides an overview of clean heating technologies and shares lessons from a pilot project in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Download it here: Clean Heating Technologies: A Pilot Project Case Study from Northern People’s Republic of China

This paper proposes a framework for mainstreaming GESI performance in electricity distribution system planning and establishes a methodology for measuring and comparing community and electricity distribution system resilience to extreme weather events and clarifies how the approach can be tested in Bangladesh.

Download it here: Inclusive Community Energy Resilience in Bangladesh

The report overviews circular economy principles and provides policy recommendations to promote the transition to circularity. Part I describes the evolution of circular economy in the region and highlights key related initiatives and prospects for future growth. Part II looks at the regulatory and legal frameworks for plastics, such as extended producer responsibility, and assesses their adequacy to stem unsustainable production and minimize the disposal of plastic waste.

The report analyzes the growth of energy consumption in each of the five countries as well as their major energy efficiency institutional arrangements, policies, initiatives, and programs. Opportunities to enhance regional cooperation in energy.

Download it here: Energy Efficiency in South Asia: Opportunities for Energy Sector Transformation

On 7 December, ADB approved grants amounting to $7.2 million for the Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project that will improve and build the resilience of the aged and inefficient electricity network in Tonga’s capital. Specifically, the grants will finance the rehabilitation of 16.5 kilometers of the medium-voltage transmission network, upgrade 50 kilometers of the low-voltage distribution network in seven villages, climate - and disaster-proof the capital’s electricity network and provide new electricity connections to 59 new households to the grid. ​​​​​​​

The Across-the-Board (AtB) session to discuss the guidance note on large hydropower projects in ADB has been set for 26 January 2023. The presentation will be led by Energy Sector Chief Priyantha Wijayatunga who will be supported by Senior Energy Specialist David Morgado. This guidance note on large hydropower outlines specific guidance for project teams in designing, preparing, and implementing large hydropower projects based on the requirements set under the

On 24 November 2022, the ADB Board approved the policy-based loan for the third subprogram under Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Program in Indonesia. The $500 million loan will support the country’s energy sector reforms in ensuring fiscal sustainability and governance, increase private sector investments in clean energy, and promote green recovery from the corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic.