Maximizing Access to Energy

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has supported increased access to energy through the most cost-effective method—by expanding the electricity grid. Yet in this second decade of the 21st century, when the grid in many countries has reached its feasible limits, hundreds of millions are still not connected to modern energy. Despite years of sustained economic growth and enormous technological progress, energy poverty in the Asia and Pacific region remains at unacceptably high levels. According to the International Energy Agency, more than 600 million people in the region have no access to electricity, and around1.8 billion still use wood or charcoal for cooking and for heating their homes. Just as modern energy empowers human development, reduces workloads, and frees up time for more productive activities, the lack of access to energy perpetuates the vicious cycle of poverty.Breaking this cycle is an ADB priority. This publication highlights projects which contribute towards that goal. ADB has repeatedly stated that it will take focused and innovative solutions to bring access to modern energy to the billions who need it. The recent and ongoing ADB financed projects in this publication are examples of focused efforts for maximum benefit and innovative approaches.