Farmers like Sary are some of the main beneficiaries of small-scale solar power initiatives that are mushrooming in Cambodia's rural areas—driven by farmers' demand for energy and startups and non-governmental organizations that take a bottom-up approach to accelerating the energy transition.
Does Cambodia have solar power?
However, considering the country's historical energy mix, the existing solar capacity appears positive. As of 2011, Cambodia had no solar power plants, and solar energy was not a part of the country's energy mix. Cambodia's current installed solar capacity is slightly over 400 MW, but the country is targeting 3.1 GW by 2040.
How many solar farms are being built in Cambodia?
That tracker also reveals 620 MW of capacity is on the way from two solar farms currently under construction, with an additional four installations planned. Cambodia is also set to enhance its renewable energy infrastructure with two new storage projects, according to Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak.
How much does solar energy cost in Cambodia?
One of the promising traits of solar energy in Cambodia is its cost. The average electricity price for solar power is around USD 0.03 per kW, significantly lower than that of coal, which is USD 7.7 per kW.
Does Cambodia have a solar generation regulation?
In 2018, Cambodia introduced a solar generation regulation, a new driver for the country's solar PV system development. Cambodia's grid-scale solar development started with just a 10 MW pilot in 2017.
Cambodia has one of the highest solar energy potentials in the region. The country plans to significantly scale up capacity in the coming decades to strengthen the energy grid and reach its net-zero emissions goals.
Will Cambodia's solar farm development change?
So far, large-scale solar farm development has moved slowly in light of the country's immense amount of untapped shine. But that picture may be starting to change. In 2018, Cambodia introduced a solar generation regulation, a new driver for the country's solar PV system development.