This page shows milestones in ADB's energy policy development since the first energy policy was approved in 1981. This page also informs ADB stakeholders about the 2021 Energy Policy review process. You may contact the review team with any questions, inputs or suggestion via via e-mail
Energy demand is projected to almost double in the Asia and Pacific region by 2030. There is an urgent need for innovative ways to generate power in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable manner. Compounding the problem is widespread energy poverty across Asia and the Pacific, in 2018 over 200 million people still had no access to electricity, around 5% of the region’s population, and around 1.8 billion people, or nearly 40% of the population, relied on polluting and unhealthy cooking fuels and technologies.
ADB's 2009 Energy Policy helped its developing member countries provide reliable, adequate, and affordable energy for economic growth in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable way. To align its energy operations with Strategy 2030, ADB reviewed its 2009 policy, recognizing the changing contexts and increasing needs of ADB’s developing members while mindful of the impacts of increasing energy use to the climate and environment.
On 20 October 2021, ADB approved a new Energy Policy that aims to support universal access to reliable and affordable energy services while promoting the low-carbon transition in Asia and the Pacific.
Draft Energy Policy: Supporting Low Carbon Transition in Asia and the Pacific
Summary of comments from stakeholders
FAQ based on summary of comments from stakeholders
Independent evaluation on the 2009 Policy | August 2020 |
Desk studies and dialogue with energy sector stakeholders (including the Asia Clean Energy Forum) | June to December 2020 |
Prepare draft energy policy paper | January to March 2021 |
Posting of draft energy policy document in the website for public consultation | Published 7 May 2021 |
Close of written comments received from public on consultation draft | 30 June 2021 |
Summary of key issues based on stakeholder consultations up to 30 June 2021 posted to Energy Policy Review website | By 15 July 2021 |
Continued consultations with stakeholders | July and August 2021 |
Posting of energy policy working paper on the website | 16 August 2021 |
Close of further comments on key issues identified in the consultations | 31 August 2021 |
Board meeting on the working paper | 6 September 2021 |
Circulation of the final version (R Paper) of the proposed new energy policy to the Board | 29 September 2021 |
Board approval of the proposed new energy policy | 20 October 2021 |
The below timeline reviews key highlights of the policy development and consultation process.
ADB adopted its first energy policy in the aftermath of the oil price shocks in the 1970s.
The second energy policy was released which recommended balanced infrastructure investment and development of financially robust and efficient operations.
The policy was reviewed for the first time. The review recommended the development of independently regulated and privatized energy markets.
Another review, coinciding with Strategy 2020. Implementation is guided by: (i) energy efficiency and renewable energy, (ii) access to energy for all, and (iii) energy sector reform, capacity building and governance.
The Board of Directors approved ADB’s third energy policy.
The Independent Evaluation Department shared its findings on the review of the 2009 energy policy and its implementation.
Release of updated Energy Policy.
Priyantha WIJAYATUNGA (Mr)
Director, Energy Division, South Asia Department
Chair of the Energy Sector Committee, ADB
E-mail