Cambodia approved investments of 1,000 megawatts of clean energy in the first half of the year
The Council for Development of Cambodia (CDC) approved a series of renewable energy projects in the first half of 2026, which are expected to add 1,000 megawatts (MW) of clean energy generation capacity to the Cambodian national power grid.
According to reports, from January to June this year, the CDC approved a total of US$1.04 billion in clean energy investment projects, including solar, wind, and biomass power plants, located in Pursat, Mondulkiri, and Stung Treng provinces. The investment scale accounted for a significant portion of the total fixed asset investment approved by the CDC in the first half of the year.
Currently, the sources of electricity in Cambodia include hydropower, solar power, biomass energy, coal-fired power, diesel power, and other aspects. By 2025, Cambodia's renewable energy will account for 63% of the country's total installed capacity, while the rest will rely on coal-fired power, fuel oil power, and imported electricity.
The rapid expansion of renewable energy projects aligns with the sustainable development goals set by the Cambodian government. Cambodia aims to achieve a minimum of 70% renewable energy in the national electricity mix by 2030.
The Khmer Times quoted Kao Latanar, the Minister of Mines and Energy of Cambodia, as saying that Cambodia is one of the countries with the highest penetration rate of clean energy in ASEAN, and its achievements in energy transformation have been recognized by the international community.
In an interview with foreign media on the 24th, Kao Latanah also stated that Cambodia would require billions of dollars in funding in the future for investments in power generation, transmission grids, and energy storage systems. These investments would come from diversified channels.
Cambodia has made remarkable progress in expanding electricity access in recent years, with 99% of villages nationwide now having access to electricity. The country is also working closely with other ASEAN partners to strengthen cross-border electricity interconnection and promote regional clean energy trade.
