Location:
Energy status and utilities in Cambodia
2025-02-05

Cambodia's energy industry has made some progress in recent years. The country's energy sources mainly include coal, natural gas, hydropower, solar energy and biomass. Cambodia is based on agriculture and has rich land resources. The country's arable land area is about 6.7 million hectares, and about 2.6 million hectares are currently under cultivation. Cambodia's tropical monsoon climate provides abundant rainfall and long sunshine throughout the year, which provides excellent natural conditions for the development of agriculture. In addition, Cambodia also has rich forestry resources, with a forest area of about 8.9 million hectares and a national forest coverage rate of about 60%. There are more than 200 types of wood in these forests, with a total reserve of more than 1 billion cubic meters. Cambodia also has many rivers and lakes, and rich fishery resources.

As far as mineral resources are concerned, the types of minerals known in Cambodia are limited, and their reserves are still unclear. The main minerals can be divided into three categories: metal minerals, non-metallic minerals and energy minerals. These minerals include iron, manganese, gold, lead, silver, tungsten, phosphorus, gemstones, oil and coal. Energy minerals mainly include oil, natural gas and coal. In terms of coal, Cambodia discovered and used coal resources in the early days, but its reserves are limited, the coal seams are thin and vary greatly, and the industrial mining value is limited.

It should be noted that Cambodia's mineral resource development is still in its early stages, and the specific reserves and mining potential need further research and evaluation.

Primary Energy

Cambodia's energy mix mainly consists of the following parts: hydropower, coal and natural gas, solar energy and wind energy, among which hydropower occupies an important position in Cambodia's energy supply.

1. Hydropower


Cambodia has abundant hydropower resources, especially in the Mekong and Svay Rieng rivers. Many hydropower plants have been built on these rivers to provide clean energy for the country.

Cambodia's hydroelectricity relies mainly on the hydropower potential of rivers such as the Mekong and Svay Rieng rivers. Many hydroelectric power plants have been built on these rivers to harness the energy of the water flow to generate electricity. These hydroelectric power plants provide a clean and renewable source of energy, helping to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cambodia has a huge potential for hydroelectricity, especially in the Mekong River basin. The country's government is actively promoting the development of hydroelectric projects to meet growing energy needs. These projects help provide a reliable supply of electricity, promote economic development and improve people's living standards.

The development of hydropower not only helps provide clean energy, but also promotes regional cooperation. Cambodia works with other Mekong River basin countries to ensure the sustainable use of hydropower and the protection of the river's ecological environment.

Overall, hydropower in Cambodia plays an important role in the country’s energy development and contributes to the development of sustainable energy.

2. Coal and Natural Gas


Cambodia also uses coal and natural gas as energy sources for power generation. Currently, there are a number of coal-fired power plants and natural gas-fired power plants operating in Cambodia to meet the growing demand for electricity.

  1. Coal: Cambodia has coal resources in some areas and uses coal as a source of energy for power generation. However, the country's coal resources are limited, and the coal seams are thin and highly variable, so its industrial mining value is relatively limited.
  2. Natural Gas: Cambodia first discovered oil and natural gas in the 1980s. Cambodia has some natural gas resources and uses it for power generation and other energy needs. Foreign oil companies are allowed to enter Cambodia to exploit natural gas and contribute to the country's energy development.


3. Solar and wind power


Cambodia is currently actively developing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Many solar power plants and wind power plants are being built to take advantage of Cambodia's abundant sunlight and wind resources.


  1. Solar energy: Cambodia has abundant sunlight resources, especially during the dry season. The country has begun to build solar power plants, which use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar power generation helps reduce dependence on traditional energy sources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Cambodian government actively encourages and supports solar energy development projects and formulates corresponding policies and measures.
  2. Wind energy: Cambodia has certain wind energy resources, especially in coastal areas and some highland areas. In recent years, Cambodia has begun to build wind power generation projects. Wind power generation uses wind power to drive windmill generators to generate electricity. This clean and renewable energy will help Cambodia achieve energy diversification and reduce its dependence on imported energy. In addition, the low-frequency noise generated by wind power generation may affect the surrounding residents. If the company does not comply with the regulations, it will be fined, and the license to use may be revoked in serious cases.

The use of these energy sources plays an important role in Cambodia's energy supply. However, the Cambodian government is also committed to promoting the development of renewable energy, such as hydropower, solar energy and wind energy, and has formulated corresponding policies and regulations, and attracted domestic and foreign investors to participate in renewable energy projects to reduce dependence on traditional energy and improve energy sustainability. This will help Cambodia achieve more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy development.

Utilities

Cambodia's public utilities include electricity, water and transportation. Here is some basic information about Cambodia's public utilities:

1. Power supply

Cambodia's electricity supply is mainly provided by the national electricity company Electricite du Cambodge (EDC). EDC is responsible for power generation, transmission and distribution to ensure power supply throughout the country. Cambodia's power supply mainly focuses on the following five development goals:

  • Increasing power generation capacity: The Cambodian government actively promotes the construction of power generation projects, including hydropower, coal, natural gas and renewable energy, etc. New power plants are continuously put into operation to increase power production capacity and ensure reliable power supply.
  • International cooperation: Cambodia cooperates with other countries and international organizations to enhance its power supply capacity. For example, Cambodia has signed cooperation agreements with China, Japan and other countries to promote the construction of power projects and technical exchanges.
  • Regional connectivity: Cambodia is also actively participating in the regional power interconnection plan to interconnect power with neighboring countries to achieve sharing of power resources and complementarity of supply.
  • Electricity access: The Cambodian government is committed to increasing electricity access, especially in rural areas. By expanding the power grid and providing affordable electricity prices, Cambodia hopes to enable more people to enjoy reliable electricity supply and promote economic and social development.
  • Sustainable development: The Cambodian government attaches great importance to the development of sustainable energy, including solar energy, wind energy and hydropower. The use of these renewable energy sources helps to reduce dependence on traditional energy and reduce environmental impact.

Overall, Cambodia is increasing its electricity supply capacity in a variety of ways to support economic development and improve people's living standards. At the same time, the country is also committed to the development of sustainable energy to achieve a green and sustainable energy future.

(ii) Tap water supply

Cambodia's tap water supply is provided by the National Water Supply Company (Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority, referred to as PPWSA) and other local water companies. PPWSA is the main tap water supply company in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and is committed to providing safe and clean drinking water. Cambodia's water supply mainly focuses on the following four development goals:

  • Infrastructure construction: The Cambodian government is committed to improving the infrastructure of tap water supply, including water source development, dams and water treatment plants. These investments help improve the quality and capacity of water supply, ensuring that people have access to reliable drinking water.
  • Urban water supply system: Cambodia's major cities, such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, have established modern water supply systems, including water source treatment, water pipe networks and water supply facilities. These cities are able to provide high-quality tap water for residents, commercial and industrial sectors.
  • Rural Water Supply Program: The Cambodian government also attaches importance to the supply of tap water in rural areas. The rural water supply program includes the construction of wells, hand pumps and water pipe networks to ensure that rural residents can easily obtain clean drinking water.
  • International cooperation: Cambodia cooperates with international organizations and foreign partners to promote the improvement of tap water supply. These cooperations include technical assistance, financial support and personnel training, which help to enhance Cambodia's water supply capacity and ability to manage water resources.

Although piped water access is improving in Cambodia, challenges still exist in some remote areas. The government is working to expand piped water coverage and ensure that all residents have access to a reliable drinking water supply.

(III) Transportation

Transportation is an important area in Cambodia's public utilities. The government is committed to improving transportation infrastructure and service levels to promote the country's development and connectivity. The following is a classification of Cambodia's transportation:

  • Infrastructure construction: The Cambodian government actively invests in transportation infrastructure construction, including the construction and improvement of roads, bridges, ports and airports, etc. The goal of these construction projects is to provide a modern, efficient and safe transportation network to facilitate the movement of people and the transportation of goods.
  • Public transportation: The public transportation system in Cambodian cities is constantly developing. Public bus and taxi services are gradually increasing, providing more options for citizens and tourists. In addition, tuk-tuks and three-wheeled vehicles (tuk-tuks) are also common modes of transportation, especially for short trips within the city.
  • Water transport: Cambodia has many rivers and waterways, and water transport is very important in some areas. The government is committed to improving water transport capacity and river navigation and inland water transport infrastructure to facilitate the transportation of goods and people.
  • Air transportation: Cambodia has several international airports, such as Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport, providing domestic and international flight services. Air transportation plays a key role in promoting the development of tourism and business activities, and the government is committed to improving the facilities and operational capabilities of airports.

Cambodia's transportation system is constantly developing, but it also faces some challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure and traffic congestion. However, the government is taking positive measures to improve transportation infrastructure and improve transportation efficiency through domestic and international cooperation to promote economic growth and improve people's quality of life.

Summarize:

Cambodia has abundant land resources and water resources, and agriculture and hydropower provide excellent natural conditions. In addition, Cambodia also has rich forestry resources and fishery resources. Cambodia's public utilities include power supply, water supply and transportation. The National Electricity Company is responsible for power supply. The government actively promotes the construction of power generation projects and cooperates with other countries and international organizations. Cambodia is also committed to increasing the rate of electricity penetration, especially in rural areas. Overall, Cambodia has great potential in the energy industry.

The country is working hard to promote the development of sustainable energy, reduce dependence on traditional energy and improve energy sustainability. This will help Cambodia achieve more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy development.


Next page:No data