Work began on a solar power plant with the first phase worth 10 million USD in Kampong Speu province of Cambodia in a joint venture involving Cambodian, Thai and Lao investors.
Speaking at the recent groundbreaking ceremony, director-general of the Cambodian Energy Ministry’s general department of energy Victor Jona said the department supports the project as it complies with the government’s policy of prioritising renewable energy.
The joint venture plans to invest 400 million USD in solar power projects to produce about 225 megawatts for businesses, factories and industrial zones in Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang and Takeo provinces.
Cambodia aims to provide power to all 14,168 villages across the country by 2020. By the end of June, about 79 percent of the villages had power. The country imports most of its electricity from Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.
Cambodia has been using solar power for public lighting in many cities and provinces, such as Preah Sihanouk and Kampot./.