Regional Connectivity Fund

The Regional Connectivity Fund for Energy in Southeast Asia (RCF), launched in April 2026, is a multi-partner trust fund supporting the preparation of cross-border energy and transmission projects to advance the ASEAN Power Grid (APG). The APG is ASEAN’s flagship initiative for regional energy integration.

Established under the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and managed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the RCF is part of AIF's Action Plan to scale up financing for regional connectivity, endorsed by finance ministers under Malaysia’s AIF chairship.

The fund will provide technical assistance, project preparation financing, and capacity building to help countries, utilities, and private sector sponsors bring complex regional energy projects to market. It supports activities such as feasibility studies, engineering design, financial structuring, and environmental and social (E&S) assessments, while also strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks.

The RCF has mobilized $25 million in initial contributions from Australia, Canada, the European Union, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

As energy demand in Southeast Asia continues to grow rapidly, the fund will play a critical role in accelerating investment, from both public and private sources, to promote ASEAN’s energy security and growth, resilience, and decarbonization.