The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has called for accelerated investment in green infrastructure, regional connectivity and digital networks across Asia to address growing geopolitical tensions, climate risks and economic uncertainty.
AIIB identified connectivity as one of its key strategic priorities, supporting investments in cross-border transport infrastructure, power transmission networks and digital connectivity projects. The bank highlighted initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, submarine cable systems and satellite infrastructure as critical components of next-generation regional connectivity. AIIB has also approved 12 digital infrastructure projects worth approximately USD1 billion, including financing for a green hyperscale data center project in Malaysia. In the energy sector, the bank has financed around USD2 billion in renewable energy and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects across South, Southeast and Central Asia.
According to AIIB, infrastructure development must increasingly serve as a solution to climate challenges while supporting economic growth and energy transition objectives. The bank is deploying risk-sharing mechanisms, longer financing tenors and local currency financing structures to mobilize private capital into infrastructure projects. AIIB highlighted the ASEAN Power Grid as an example of an integrated infrastructure initiative that combines clean energy development, regional connectivity, digital technologies and innovative financing mechanisms.