Four solar power stations coming online

Four solar power stations coming online

Additional renewable energy generated by solar power will come online soon in Cambodia from four new stations scheduled to be linked to the grid early this year.

The four projects are currently under construction with most at 90 percent completion, said Victor Jona, director-general of energy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The projects were approved by the Cambodian government in late 2019.

They include a 20 megawatt (mW) solar plant in Svay Rieng province owned by Green Sustainable Ventures Co Ltd, a 30mW plant in Banteay Meanchey province invested in by Ray Power Supply Co Ltd, a 60mW solar farm in Battambang province owned by Risen Energy Co Ltd and a 60mW solar station in Pursat province, owned by Schneitec Renewable Co Ltd.

Jona noted Cambodia will soon have a greater array of energy sources available to help meet the nation’s power consumption demands. Currently the Kingdom meets its energy needs from hydroelectric dams, wind power, coal-fired power plants, some solar generation and energy imports.

According to Jona, Cambodia produces sufficient power to supply 85 percent of local demand, with the balance made up by imports from neighbouring countries.

In 2019, Cambodia used 12 million kilowatts of power, a year-on-year increase of 23 percent. Three million kilowatts were imported from neighbouring countries .

Cambodia’s existing solar power stations include a 10mW solar farm in Bavet city, Svay Rieng province, an 80mW solar station in Kampong Speu province, a 60mW solar station in Kampong Chhnang province and a 5mW solar station in Bavet city. Khmer Times