Artur Andrysiak, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for Turkmenistan, presented the bank’s strategic vision during Session 3 of the International Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026.” Speaking at the panel discussion on advanced energy and digital systems for future cities, Andrysiak outlined the pivotal role of multilateral development banks in accelerating investments into smart energy and digital infrastructure, emphasizing the bank’s expanding portfolio in Turkmenistan.
Global Commitments: $70 Billion for Energy and Digital Infrastructure
As a leading multilateral development bank focused on sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific, ADB uses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to address complex challenges, construct quality infrastructure, and protect the environment.
During the recent ADB Annual Meeting in Samarkand, ADB President Kanda announced that the bank will mobilize $70 billion by 2035. This funding is dedicated to bridging critical energy and digital infrastructure gaps throughout the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on green energy transitions and artificial intelligence (AI)-ready digital economies through two flagship initiatives:
- The Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative ($50 Billion): This program aims to connect national and subregional power systems to integrate roughly 20 GW of cross-border renewable energy, construct 22,000 km of transmission lines, and reduce power sector emissions by approximately 15%.
- The Asia-Pacific Digital Highway ($20 Billion): This initiative will finance digital corridors, data infrastructure, and AI-ready economies by 2035. Investments will target connected infrastructure such as terrestrial and subsea fiber networks, satellite links, and regional data centers.
Strengthening the Partnership with Turkmenistan
ADB remains a long-term development partner for Turkmenistan, engaging extensively to support the nation’s transformation into a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and competitive economy.
The partnership in the energy sector is well-established. ADB financed the $500 million National Power Grid Strengthening Project, which reached successful completion in 2025. The project significantly enhanced grid stability and enabled increased electricity exports. ADB is currently in discussions with the government regarding a follow-up project.
ADB is actively expanding its footprint in Turkmenistan’s renewable energy sector through several key projects, aligning directly with the focus on future cities:
- Arkadag Solar Pilot: Together with the Ministry of Energy and Arkadag Authorities, ADB is implementing a $1 million grant approved in 2025. This technical assistance (TA) lays the groundwork for future innovative ADB interventions and supports a pilot solar project in Arkadag city. This first-of-its-kind project in Turkmenistan could later be replicated in other cities, including Ashgabat.
- Wind Potential Assessment: ADB is cooperating with the Ministry of Energy to implement a $1 million TA approved in 2024. This initiative supports the evaluation of wind potential for renewable energy in the country, including the analysis of potential sites for a wind farm.
- Integrated Urban Solutions: Discussions are underway with the Arkadag City authorities for an Integrated Urban Solutions project that would support the introduction of renewable energy.
Looking ahead, ADB stands ready to cooperate with Turkmenistan on smart grid solutions, energy efficiency, data centers, and other top priorities of the government.///nCa, 25 May 2026