EconomyTuesday, 5 May 2026·The Hindu
ADB unveils $70 billion Asia-Pacific power grid and digital highway plan by 2035
On 3 May 2026, ADB announced a $70 billion plan to build cross-border power grids and digital infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific by 2035.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 3 May 2026, the Asian Development Bank announced a $70 billion investment plan by 2035 to develop cross-border power grids and digital infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific at its Annual Meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Key specifics
- The Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative aims to mobilise $50 billion by 2035.
- It targets 20 gigawatts of renewable energy integration and 22,000 circuit-kilometres of transmission lines.
- The Asia-Pacific Digital Highway allocates $20 billion, with ADB financing $15 billion.
- The digital plan aims to give first-time broadband access to 200 million people and cut rural connectivity costs by 40%.
- ADB was established in 1966 and is headquartered in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Exam lens
Economy and international development MCQ: ADB, $70 billion, 2035, 20 GW, 22,000 circuit-km, 200 million people—ask which initiative covers power grids and which covers digital highways.