ADB, GEAPP Launch Battery Storage Initiative

The Asian Development Bank and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet have launched a joint platform aimed at accelerating battery energy storage deployment across Asia and the Pacific to support the region’s clean energy transition.

The new initiative, called ENABLE (Enhancing Access to Battery Energy Storage System for Low-carbon Economies), will provide technical assistance, early-stage project development, and innovative financing options to jumpstart battery storage adoption.

ADB and GEAPP have committed an initial USD750,000 (about PHP44 million) to launch the platform, with the goal of overcoming persistent barriers to battery energy storage system (BESS) investments.

“ENABLE addresses key barriers by providing technical expertise, project development support, and innovative financing solutions that will help countries integrate more renewable energy into their grids,” said Cindy Cisneros-Tiangco, director for emerging areas in ADB’s Energy Sector Office.

Battery storage is seen as critical to making renewable energy more reliable and managing grid stability, especially as the region scales up solar and wind power.

Between 2023 and 2028, countries in Asia and the Pacific are expected to add roughly 430 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, with solar power leading the expansion, according to ADB data.

Without sufficient storage, much of that energy could be curtailed or could destabilize aging grids during periods of overproduction.

“The rapid growth of renewables in the region represents both an achievement and a challenge,” said Kitty Bu, GEAPP vice president for Southeast Asia. “Through ENABLE, GEAPP is helping address the critical battery storage gap that could constrain the region’s clean energy potential.”

In its initial phase, ENABLE will prioritize three countries—Vietnam, Mongolia, and Cambodia—by offering tailored support, including technical studies, policy advice, procurement frameworks, and new business models.

In the Philippines, large-scale battery storage remains in its early stages despite growing policy support.

“To support this transition, we see BESS as a key enabler in managing renewable energy variability and strengthening overall grid stability,” Energy Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol said during the Asia Clean Energy Forum.

She acknowledged that high costs remain a major hurdle for implementing integrated renewable energy and storage systems (IRESS), but added, “We remain confident in the long-term value of storage in achieving our energy targets.”

The Philippines is targeting 1.1 gigawatts of battery storage through its Green Energy Auction Program, a government-led mechanism to increase renewable capacity in the energy mix.

As part of its expansion strategy, ENABLE aims to scale its support to more countries across the region, in line with global decarbonization goals and regional energy resilience efforts.