In an exciting initiative to champion clean energy and foster sustainable development, Cambodia is gearing up for its 6th annual Clean Energy Week, scheduled to take place from November 16–23, 2023, in the vibrant city of Phnom Penh. This significant event is organized by EnergyLab Cambodia in collaboration with key partners, including the Australian Government, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the EU-funded Solar Transformation Project through SWITCH-Asia, and the Czech Republic through the Czech Development Agency (CzDA).
The focus of the week-long event will be on promoting and celebrating the myriad opportunities that clean energy presents to Cambodia, with a particular emphasis on solar and wind energy resources. The event’s comprehensive program includes engaging discussions, hands-on workshops, insightful exhibitions, and impactful awareness-raising initiatives. These activities aim to showcase the innovation, success stories, and environmental benefits of embracing clean energy solutions.
This year’s Clean Energy Week aligns seamlessly with Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to drive progress, placing a special emphasis on energy security and the broader economic and social advantages of clean energy adoption. The nation’s abundant potential for harnessing clean energy resources not only promises to boost economic development but also serves as a strategic measure to mitigate uncertainties that can arise in the global energy market due to unforeseen events.
Justin Wyatt, the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, expressed his delight in Australia’s significant sponsorship of this year’s Clean Energy Week. He highlighted Australia’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s energy transition goals, emphasizing that clean energy provides a gateway to economic development, enhanced energy security, and progress towards carbon neutrality.
Through the Cambodia-Australia Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development (CAPRED), Australia pledges its support to Cambodia in increasing its utilization of renewable energy. This support includes capacity building for energy officials to effectively connect solar energy with remote areas, as well as promoting energy efficiency through the engagement of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in the market.
As Cambodia embarks on this positive journey towards a sustainable and clean energy future, the potential benefits are vast. The transition to clean energy not only addresses environmental concerns but also opens doors to new employment opportunities, poverty reduction, improvements in the welfare and education sectors, and the promotion of social equity. Clean Energy Week serves as a beacon, illuminating Cambodia’s commitment to shaping a greener, more prosperous future for its citizens and contributing to the global movement towards sustainable energy practices.