Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Manet, has announced the halt on the development of coal-fired power plants. Moreover, the country is now exploring options to shut down the existing power plants way ahead of their scheduled closure. Manet announced the cessation of coal-fired power plant development and a thorough examination of the possibility of shutting down existing facilities ahead of schedule. He further said that this step is being taken because the Royal Government of Cambodia, represented by the Ministry of Environment, declared at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, UK, that Cambodia was committed to halting the development of coal-fired power plants.
During his speech, the Prime Minister said that the construction project of a 700-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Botum Sakor District, Koh Kong Province, has already been suspended since 2nd November 2023. This step is linked with the government’s authorization to the national Ministry of Mines and Energy to engage in discussions with investment companies regarding the potential conversion of the coal-fired power plant into a low-carbon LNG project. He also gave the ministry the authority to explore the possibility of prematurely ceasing operations at existing coal-fired power plants.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of taking these steps towards sustainable development in Cambodia. He said that the global energy sector currently holds a pivotal role, with each country having the responsibility to ensure not only high-quality, stable, efficient, and affordable energy supplies but also to achieve carbon neutrality in addressing global climate change.
Cambodia’s move to halt coal-fired power plant development activities would pave the way for the nation’s renewable energy sector to flourish. Cambodia is already home to over 50 hydroelectric dams supplementing its abundant renewable energy resources. As of now, Cambodia has around 600 MW of solar and wind projects under construction, with more expected to begin in the coming years. With the government’s commitment, the future of renewable energy in Cambodia looks promising, with decentralization and democratization of energy production.
Source: Fresh News
