Asia Pacific Cities Seek Nearly US$10 Billion for 169 Climate Infrastructure Projects

Cities across Asia Pacific disclosed 169 climate-related projects collectively valued at nearly US$10 billion through the CDP-ICLEI Track system in 2022, with 169 of those projects reported as seeking funding. Renewable energy represents the largest single investment need at US$4.6 billion, followed by land-use and buildings efficiency.

A total of 302 cities in Asia Pacific disclosed through CDP-ICLEI Track in 2022, with 79 cities across 16 countries reporting climate projects. Renewable energy projects account for US$4.6 billion, or 46% of total disclosed project costs. Water management is another significant sector with projects valued at US$686 million. Southeast Asia had the highest number of reported projects at 58, closely followed by East Asia at 54. Among countries, India reported the largest total project costs at US$534 million, followed by Indonesia at US$449 million and the Philippines at US$110 million.

India features prominently in the dataset, with notable projects including a 4 MW solar park in Rajkot City, a stormwater drainage network in Tiruchirappalli City valued at US$503 million, and an 18 MW floating solar photovoltaic system at Periyakulam Lake in Coimbatore. Only three Indian cities disclosed buildings and energy efficiency projects, suggesting significant missed opportunities in what could otherwise be a major emissions reduction lever. A low carbon zone in Chennai to improve pedestrian areas is among projects seeking full funding, with a total cost of US$17.6 million.

A financing gap between developed and developing nations is evident, with funded projects concentrated in wealthier countries. Around 40% of reported projects are still at early development stages including scoping and feasibility assessment, requiring technical assistance before they can reach implementation. CDP and ICLEI urge multilateral development banks and private financiers to address this gap through concessional financing and technical support, noting that six of the world's ten countries most exposed to extreme weather events are located in Asia Pacific.

Key figure — US$4.6 billion renewable energy financing need across Asia Pacific cities