29 October 2010: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have announced a “Lighting for All” platform to help provide clean and affordable electricity to 50 million people who currently rely on expensive and highly polluting fuels for their lighting needs.

The “Lighting for All” platform, which is a part of the ADB-supported “Energy for All Partnership,” was announced on the sidelines of the Delhi International Renewable Energy Conference (DIREC). The platform will encourage the replication and expansion of proven business models that supply low-cost solar products to consumers living “off grid” and relying on kerosene and other flame-based lighting sources. “Lighting for All” will begin its programme in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and Lao PDR before scaling up elsewhere in the region. [ADB Press Release]