Economy 06 May 2026

ADB Announces $70 Billion Plan for Cross-Border Power Grids and Digital Infrastructure

The Asian Development Bank announced a $70 billion plan to build cross-border power grids and digital infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific by 2035, including a Pan-Asia Power Grid and an Asia-Pacific Digital Highway.

upsc banking ssc

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a $70 billion investment plan to strengthen cross-border power grids and digital infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific by 2035. The announcement was made during the ADB Annual Meeting held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The plan includes the Pan-Asia Power Grid project, which aims to connect renewable-energy systems and transmission networks across countries. It also includes the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway project, which focuses on better broadband access, data infrastructure, and readiness for artificial intelligence (AI).

The ADB also set up a Centre for AI Innovation and Development in Seoul to encourage responsible use of AI and digital-skill training. Founded in 1966, the ADB is headquartered in Metro Manila, Philippines, and India is one of its founding members.

For aspirants, the key facts are the ADB's headquarters, its founding year, and the focus of this new investment plan on clean energy and digital connectivity.

Key Points to Remember

  • Organisation: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
  • Plan: $70 billion by 2035 for power grids & digital infrastructure
  • Projects: Pan-Asia Power Grid; Asia-Pacific Digital Highway
  • Announced at: ADB Annual Meeting, Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
  • New AI centre set up in Seoul
  • ADB founded 1966; HQ in Metro Manila, Philippines

Exam Relevance

Relevant for UPSC Prelims (Economy & International Organisations), Banking exams (ADB & multilateral bodies), and SSC (General Awareness).

UPSC BANKING SSC
adb asian-development-bank power-grid digital-infrastructure international-organisations