ADB Faces Criticism Over Rushed Energy Policy Review
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is facing criticism for rushing its review process of the updated energy policy. Despite a minimal extension, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the NGO Forum on ADB remain concerned. Meanwhile, the ADB has approved its first critical minerals project in Pakistan, raising environmental and social impact concerns.
The ADB initially planned to finalise the updated energy policy by the end of this year, with board approval in the first quarter of 2026. However, the deadline for the final draft has been extended to 3 October, from the initial third quarter of this year. This extension has done little to alleviate CSOs' concerns about the rushed process.
The ADB's new energy policy is set to reflect the increasing demand for clean energy and digital technologies in the Asia Pacific region. It aims to invest in critical minerals and clean technology manufacturing, reduce methane emissions, and restrict oil trade finance. The responsibility for setting guidelines related to critical minerals lies with the ADB itself.
The ADB approved its first critical minerals project in Pakistan despite concerns about environmental and social impacts. This project is a part of the ADB's push to support the region's clean energy transition.
The ADB's updated energy policy is expected to be released on 3 October, with the review process currently in Phase 3. While the extension provides more time, CSOs continue to express concerns about the rushed nature of the process. The ADB must balance its ambitious energy goals with careful consideration of environmental and social impacts, as demonstrated by the recent project approval in Pakistan.
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