The global push toward cleaner and more sustainable energy has reached a critical turning point as Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced its readiness to support nuclear power for the first time in its 60-year history. The landmark policy shift was revealed by ADB President Masato Kanda during his address at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Science and Technology in Society Forum in Kyoto.
Kanda emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action that connects science, policy, and finance to enable clean energy transitions across Asia and the Pacific. He stated that the bank is actively reviewing its Energy Policy to respond more effectively to the needs of its developing member countries. This includes adopting practical and diverse approaches to help nations achieve net-zero targets while ensuring energy security.
One of the most significant announcements was ADB’s willingness to include nuclear energy as part of its financing and operational framework. This marks a dramatic evolution in the bank’s approach to energy solutions. “We see nuclear power as an important option for countries that want to shift away from coal and gas baseload and cut emissions,” Kanda said. “ADB’s role will be to make nuclear safe, trusted, and investable.”
This shift reflects growing acknowledgment of nuclear energy’s potential as a stable and low-carbon power source that can support countries in their clean energy transitions. While ADB has historically focused on renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and hydro, the inclusion of nuclear adds a new dimension to its strategy—potentially unlocking financing for large-scale energy projects in countries facing rising demand and energy transition challenges.
Kanda also reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to investing in clean energy infrastructure. He highlighted the bank’s plan to provide up to $10 billion over the next decade to support the ASEAN Power Grid, which aims to enable efficient cross-border transfer of clean electricity across Southeast Asia. By facilitating energy trade between member states, this initiative seeks to enhance regional energy security and stability while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Additionally, Kanda spotlighted ADB’s new Critical Minerals to Manufacturing approach, which focuses on securing essential raw materials needed for the clean energy transition. As part of this strategy, ADB has already extended a $410 million financing package to support the Reko Diq Mining Project, which will help strengthen copper supply chains critical for renewable energy technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar systems.
The bank’s move comes amid intensifying global debate over the role of nuclear energy in achieving climate goals. While concerns over safety and waste management persist, many experts argue that nuclear remains one of the few scalable solutions capable of providing stable baseload power while drastically reducing emissions.
For Asia and the Pacific—regions experiencing rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and increasing electricity demand—nuclear energy could offer a pragmatic pathway to reduce dependence on coal and natural gas. ADB’s endorsement could also encourage other international financial institutions to reassess their stance on nuclear power in the context of climate action.
This strategic pivot marks a defining moment in ADB’s energy transition narrative, positioning the institution as a key player in enabling countries to adopt a balanced energy mix that includes renewables and nuclear. As policy frameworks evolve and investments scale up, ADB’s support may significantly influence how nations in the region pursue their clean energy targets over the coming decades.
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