ASEAN Power Grid Gains Momentum as a Pillar of Energy Security and Resilience

ADB joined ASEAN energy ministers and development partners at the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting and related meetings, held on 5–8 October 2026 in Manila, to advance the ASEAN Power Grid and strengthen regional energy cooperation. Connecting Southeast Asia’s power systems can help deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity for more than 700 million people while strengthening resilience to energy supply disruptions and climate impacts. The meeting’s Joint Ministerial Statement recognized ADB’s contributions, including its support for the ASEAN Power Grid Financing Facility and the ASEAN Energy Resilience Information Paper.

ADB launches Green and Resilient Ports Toolkit

ADB brought together ASEAN transport officials and port operators in person and online on 8 October 2026 to launch the Green and Resilient Ports Toolkit, a digital planning tool to help advance greener and more resilient port projects across Southeast Asia. Developed by ADB’s transport sector team and the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility under the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund, the toolkit helps translate sustainability priorities into project concepts. ADB Transport Director Markus Roesner opened the launch, where participants tested the toolkit and explored its application to potential projects. A follow-up session on 9 October focused on how ADB can use the toolkit to support clients, inform project design, and develop future green port investments. Explore the toolkit.

Strengthening Southeast Asia’s Resilience Through the ASEAN Power Grid

By connecting the electricity networks of Southeast Asian countries, the ASEAN Power Grid can help meet the region's growing energy needs and provide reliable and affordable electricity for 700 million people. Connected power systems and resilient energy infrastructure will keep electricity flowing even amid energy supply chain shocks and the impacts of a changing climate, such as stronger storms and extreme heat. Grid expansion will also create demand for infrastructure, opening up opportunities for the region to boost its critical minerals-to-manufacturing capacity. ADB supports the development of the ASEAN Power Grid alongside its partners in the Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF), an initiative under the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund. Initial RCF funding equivalent to about $25 million consists of contributions from the Government of Australia, the Government of Canada, the European Union, the Government of Germany, and the Government of the United Kingdom.

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Thailand’s Metropolitan Electricity Authority Issues First Green Bond

On 11 August, Thailand’s Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) issued its inaugural green bond, the first by a non-bank state-owned enterprise in the country. The five-year bond, expected to raise THB 2 billion (approximately $60 million), will finance climate-resilient and energy-efficient electricity network infrastructure to strengthen power system reliability and resilience while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Aligned with the Thailand and ASEAN taxonomies and internationally recognized green bond principles and standards, the issuance was supported by ADB through the development of MEA’s Green Finance Framework. This assistance was provided through the GSS+ Initiative under the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility, with funding from the Green Climate Fund and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and through the Asian Bond Markets Initiative.

ACGF newsletter highlights building investment-ready green infrastructure

ACGF released its January–June 2026 Newsletter, Beyond Financing: Building Investment-Ready Projects, highlighting how strong project preparation, technical expertise, and partnerships can help move green infrastructure toward investment readiness. The edition features progress on the ASEAN Power Grid through the Regional Connectivity Fund, new energy initiatives in Cambodia, insights on scaling climate finance and mobilizing private capital, and key ACGF highlights from the first half of 2026.