Cambodia approves construction of six solar and hydro projects totalling 670 MW

The Cambodian National Assembly has approved the construction of six new solar and hydro power plants totalling a capacity of 670 MW to be built across Cambodia and aimed at stabilising supply and bringing down energy prices. The four solar power developments are Lucky Solar Power’s 80 MW plant in Prey Veng province, as well as Snetec’s projects in Pursat (150 MW), Svay Rieng (60 MW) and Kampong Chhnang (60 MW). The two hydropower projects are Stung Meteuk Hydropower’s 150 MW Stung Meteuk project, and Khmer Electrical Power’s 70 MW Stung Russey Chrum Kandal project and 100 MW Stung Veal Thmor Kambot project, counted as a single venture.

In April 2023, Cambodia has also approved solar and hydro projects totalling 520 MW. In December 2022, Cambodia, through its “Power Development Plan 2022-2040” (PDP), announced that the country targets 3,155 MW of solar capacity and 3,000 MW of hydropower capacity by 2040. This represents nearly an eightfold increase in solar capacity and more than a twofold increase for hydro capacity. The PDP also sets goals for 2030, with solar capacity increasing from 357 MW at the end of 2021 (around 12% of the country's capacity in 2021 and about 430 MW in 2022) to 1,000 MW and hydropower capacity rising from 1,330 MW in late 2021 (44% of the capacity) to 1,560 MW in 2030. The PDP also reiterates Cambodia’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050.