The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to support US$70 billion in energy and digital infrastructure investments by 2035, aimed at strengthening regional connectivity across Asia and the Pacific through integrated power grids and enhanced digital networks.
ADB president Masato Kanda said access to reliable energy and digital infrastructure will play a critical role in shaping the region’s future, with the initiatives designed to support economic growth, competitiveness and cross-border integration.
“By linking power grids and digital networks across borders, we can reduce costs, expand opportunities, and deliver reliable energy and connectivity to hundreds of millions of people,” he said in a statement.
The overall plan comprises two key components: a US$50 billion Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative (PAGI) and a US$20 billion programme focused on digital and technology connectivity.
Under PAGI, investments will be directed towards strengthening transmission infrastructure and grid integration, including the development of cross-border transmission lines, substations, energy storage systems and grid digitalisation. By 2035, ADB aims to facilitate the integration of around 20 gigawatts of renewable energy across borders, build approximately 22,000 circuit-kilometres of transmission lines, and improve access to electricity for 200 million people. The initiative is also expected to create about 840,000 jobs and reduce emissions in the regional power sector by 15%.
ADB expects to fund roughly half of the US$50 billion power grid initiative from its own resources, with the remainder to be raised through co-financing arrangements, including private sector participation. In addition, up to US$10 million in technical assistance will be allocated to support regulatory alignment, adoption of common technical standards, feasibility studies and project preparation.
On the digital front, the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway initiative aims to mobilise US$20 billion by 2035 to develop digital corridors, strengthen data infrastructure and support the growth of AI-ready economies. Investments will focus on improving connectivity through terrestrial and subsea fibre networks, satellite systems and regional data centres.
ADB plans to contribute US$15 billion towards the digital initiative, with the remaining US$5 billion to be sourced through co-financing, including from private sector partners.
