Cambodia's energy sector has been a tremendous success story over the last 20 years. From experiencing frequent power cuts and limited regional electricity access in 2004 to a stable grid in the capital, Phnom Penh, and a village electrification rate of over 98%.
While working on battery storage projects for Bardan Cells, I was surprised that Cambodia has over double the renewable generation of Australia, 65% compared to 32% respectively in 2022. Another benefit is that the price of electricity in Cambodia is lower, approx AUD$ 0.21 cents kWh compared to AUD$ 0.25 – 0.45 cents per kWh in Australia. (Considering the generation sources, this leads to awkward questions about Australia’s energy costs).
Domestic energy production has been increasing at a rate of 8% per year since 2010. As Cambodia continues its journey toward sustainable economic development, energy security and sustainability are at the forefront of national priorities. In March 2023, Cambodia launched the “Principles for Permitting the Use of Rooftop Solar Power,” to regulate rooftop solar installations and ensure “transparency, accountability, and fairness.”
Renewable energy, particularly solar, holds great promise for Cambodia. However, the intermittent nature of solar energy benefits from robust storage solutions to store excess generation and provide power during low solar output periods, like the dry season. The Cambodian Minister of Mines and Energy, Keo Rattanak, is targeting 70% renewable energy by 2030.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have emerged as a transformative technology in global energy markets, enabling the efficient integration of renewable energy, enhancing grid stability, and providing access to electricity in off-grid areas. For Cambodia, where renewable energy potential is vast but underutilised, battery storage offers a pathway to an affordable, reliable, and greener energy future.
The Cambodian government has shown increasing interest in renewable energy, with supportive policies encouraging private sector participation in energy projects. BESS can provide much needed grid stabilisation, reliability, decarbonisation while also reducing imported power.
As battery storage demand and investment continues to grows, Cambodia is well-positioned to build a reliable, low cost, sustainable energy system for the future.
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