Energy Policy Review

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

ADB's energy policy

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.

  ADB Energy Policy Review

Draft Energy Policy: Supporting Low Carbon Transition in Asia and the Pacific

This draft policy paper has been prepared for public consultation in light of the global commitments on climate change, the changing landscape in the energy sector, and ADB’s Strategy 2030. Feedback may be sent through email. A final draft was submitted to ADB’s Board of Directors for consideration on 20 October 2021.

 

Summary of comments from stakeholders

This document contains a summary of key issues raised by stakeholders during ADB's Energy Policy Review consultations held up to 30 June 2021.

 

FAQ based on summary of comments from stakeholders

This FAQ document accompanies the Summary of Comments from Stakeholders, and addresses some of the key issues raised and responses received during stakeholder consultations up until 30 June 2021.

Timeline of the review

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

History of ADB’s energy policy

The below timeline reviews key highlights of the policy development and consultation process.


 

1981

Photo: Asian Development Bank

ADB adopted its first energy policy in the aftermath of the oil price shocks in the 1970s.

 

1985

Photo: Asian Development Bank

The second energy policy was released which recommended balanced infrastructure investment and development of financially robust and efficient operations.

 

2000

Photo: Asian Development Bank

The policy was reviewed for the first time. The review recommended the development of independently regulated and privatized energy markets.

 

2008

Photo: Asian Development Bank

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.

 

2009

Photo: Asian Development Bank

The Board of Directors approved ADB’s third energy policy.

 

2020

Photo: Asian Development Bank

The Independent Evaluation Department shared its findings on the review of the 2009 energy policy and its implementation.

 

2021

Photo: Asian Development Bank

Release of updated Energy Policy.

Contact

Priyantha WIJAYATUNGA (Mr)
Director, Energy Division, South Asia Department
Chair of the Energy Sector Committee, ADB
  E-mail