Cambodia Reaches 99% Village Electrification Milestone

xinhua

PHNOM PENH – Cambodia has connected 99% of its villages to the national power grid, marking a major achievement in its energy development, the Ministry of Mines and Energy announced on Monday.

Over the past 15 years, the Kingdom’s electricity generation has increased eightfold, driven by a mix of hydropower, coal, oil, and an expanding focus on renewable sources such as solar and wind.

A ministry statement highlighted plans to promote gender-inclusive employment, with new energy projects aiming for 60% female participation in construction and 50% in operations. Officials say these initiatives are boosting economic growth while improving environmental sustainability.

The country’s energy transition took a significant step forward last October with the launch of a $1.34 billion gas-fired power plant in Koh Kong province. Once operational, it will be Cambodia’s largest power-generation facility.

Despite these advances, Cambodia still imports electricity from Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, particularly during the dry season. The government’s Power Development Master Plan 2022-2040 seeks to reduce dependence on coal and accelerate the shift toward renewable energy.

-2025-03-26