Communication, Power, and Reform

In the late 2000s, the Kyrgyz Republic faced periods of blackouts and electricity rationing during winters. In 2010, power and heat tariffs were sharply increased triggering wide public unrest and contributed to the downfall of the government. Asian Development Bank’s Power Sector Rehabilitation Project used project communication approaches to help rebuild trust in the country’s energy sector. The project also educated consumers about energy efficiency and the benefits of an effective tariff policy.

West Kalimantan Power Grid Strengthening Project: Reducing Indonesia’s Oil Dependency While Fostering Regional Cooperation

As oil fuels all power generation in Indonesia’s West Kalimantan, overdependence on this costly and carbon-intensive energy source negatively affects both the environment and economy of the province. Through the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Indonesia signed a cross-border power trade agreement to tap existing power supply from neighboring Malaysia.

Read about ADB's other energy projects in Knowledge and Power: Lessons from ADB Energy Projects.

Green Power Development Project: Bringing Benefits to Bhutan and Beyond

The Kingdom of Bhutan is one of a few countries in Asia with large, unexploited hydropower resources. Despite the surplus power, many rural households lacked access to electricity in the early to mid-2000s. The Government of Bhutan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) turned this challenge into an opportunity through the Green Power Development Project, which improved energy access and expanded the country’s revenue base due to income from power exports.

Citarum River

The Citarum River is the most important river basin in West Java, Indonesia. Economic development and population growth, however, have contributed to the river’s current perilous situation. Working hand in hand is essential to protect this precious resource and achieve a better Citarum.