ADB to intensify support for cross-Caspian transport, clean energy projects

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) intends to intensify its efforts to strengthen transport connectivity and advance clean energy development in Central Asia, with a focus on upgrading key trade routes and supporting the region’s shift toward a low-carbon economy.

Leah Gutierrez, Director General of ADB’s Central and West Asia Department, told domestic media that the bank will place particular emphasis on enhancing cross-border connectivity and resilience across the CAREC region.

In the transport sector, ADB will prioritise the development of sustainable and resilient multimodal corridors through investments in road and rail infrastructure, aviation, intelligent mobility systems, and water transport. According to Gutierrez, special attention will be given to CAREC Corridor 2, which is closely aligned with the Middle Corridor. Plans are in place to modernise and digitalise the route with the aim of transforming it into a fully-fledged economic corridor.

Progress in these efforts will be monitored through the corridor performance measurement and monitoring system, along with other evaluation tools. Gutierrez noted that the new BUILD financing mechanism — designed to improve border services — will support governments in addressing bottlenecks and simplifying cross-border transport and trade procedures.

She added that dedicated working groups, including recently established road and intelligent mobility groups, as well as annual sectoral meetings, will ensure continuous evaluation and sustained engagement with stakeholders.

In the energy sector, ADB will focus on expanding renewable energy generation, upgrading electricity transmission and distribution networks, and strengthening regional energy interconnections to support countries’ low-carbon objectives.

“ADB will also work with partners on major regional projects, such as the Rogun Hydropower Plant in Tajikistan and the Kambarata Hydropower Plant-1 in the Kyrgyz Republic. These projects have the potential to strengthen energy security, deliver significant volumes of clean hydropower, and expand electricity trade across the region,” Gutierrez said.

Alongside these efforts, the bank will continue to support cross-border initiatives, including the Green Energy Corridor across the Caspian Sea, which involves Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Gutierrez noted that the initiative could be expanded to include other countries in the region, both in electricity generation and in transit.

“The effectiveness of project implementation will be assessed based on indicators such as increased renewable energy capacity, improved reliability and flexibility of power grids, reduced losses, as well as the creation of regional platforms and corridors for the exchange of clean energy within the CAREC region and beyond,” Gutierrez concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova