ADB to Promote Green Transformation in Heilongjiang, PRC

MANILA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $193 million loan for environmental improvement and low-carbon development in Heilongjiang, the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The Heilongjiang Green Transformation Demonstration Project and Program will assist in the promotion of sustainable, climate-resilient, low-carbon, green development, as well as environmental restoration in the cities of Heihe and Suifenhe.

“Heilongjiang has legacy environmental degradation and remains one of the poorest provinces in the PRC,” said ADB Transport Specialist for East Asia Rebecca Stapleton. “ADB’s intervention will support interagency cooperation, aligning environment and climate change policies at the national, provincial, and city levels.”

The project adopts a system-wide approach looking at environmental restoration of rivers and wetlands and improving energy efficiency. It will holistically address sustainable green transformation across the main economic pillars and polluting sectors, including transport, logistics, water, industry, buildings, and tourism in the project areas.

“This is the first ADB project combining an investment loan and a results-based lending program that provides a tailored instrument to address building energy efficiency,” said ADB’s Senior Environment Specialist for East Asia Yun Zhou.

The project will develop infrastructure and implement services to enhance climate resilience and livability in Heihe and Suifenhe. Sustainable and efficient logistics facilities and technologies will be demonstrated by improving connectivity between key logistics and trade facilities. Aging residential buildings and public facilities will be refurbished under the project by improving thermal insulation to reduce energy loss, reducing waste, increasing green space, and upgrading drainage and sanitation facilities.

The project has a strong focus on institutional strengthening and improving interagency coordination through developing a sustainable procurement action plan, preparing a comprehensive nonmotorized transport network plan and citywide inclusive sanitation strategy for both cities, providing support for behavior change campaigns, and knowledge sharing.

The total cost of the project is $498.8 million, with $305.8 million in counterpart financing from the government. It is expected to be completed in 2028.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.