Asia has been leading the way in issuing bonds, with the bulk of it coming from the PRC, but more “green bonds” are needed. Energy needs in Asia are huge. If the region continues its high rate of growth, Asia’s share of world energy consumption could rise from around a third in 2010 to more than half by 2035. Raw energy consumption in the region will be more than double. Meeting these needs in a sustainable way will require a shift in investment away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources.Despite the growing consensus on the need for renewables both governments and investors continue to question the affordability and profitability of large-scale investments. Significant upfront costs and long payback periods of renewable energy projects have often discouraged investors from financing these projects. And with government finances already overstretched in many countries, the public sector will find it hard to meet the large financing needs of renewable energy.—blogs.adb.org/blog