Clean Energy
Updated: 12 May 2008
ADB's program on clean energy and the environment
Energy is a vital input to economic growth and poverty reduction. In the last 30 years, productivity and wealth have grown rapidly in Asia and the Pacific and, consequently, so has dependence on energy.
The region's energy needs are primarily fulfilled by fossil fuels, the increased consumption of which has negative economic and environmental impacts. By depending on fossil fuels, countries are exposed to oil price and supply fluctuations that undermine their energy security. Furthermore, the combustion of fossil fuels creates large amounts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thereby damaging the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.
It is, however, possible to improve energy security and reduce GHG emissions by implementing energy efficiency measures and seeking alternative sources of energy without sacrificing economic growth and living standards.
The Asian Development Bank emphasizes the acceleration of the widespread application of renewable energy and energy efficiency in its developing member countries (DMCs). However, although many of ADB's DMCs have established country-level legislation and targets, there are significant barriers to mainstreaming the application of clean energy technologies and services.
ADB is systematically studying these barriers to focus its interventions primarily on developing and enabling environment—policy, regulatory, tariff, institutional—and to facilitate the preparation and implementation of more clean energy projects. ADB is also working toward enhancing awareness on renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities through country-based capacity-building initiatives, as well as taking advantage of the growing carbon market.
Read the summary of ADB's Clean Energy Policy .
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