Electricity in Cambodia in 2024

In 2024, Cambodia's electricity consumption showcases a diverse energy portfolio. Fossil fuels constitute approximately 43% of the country’s electricity generation. Notably, coal alone accounts for more than 40% of this share, indicating a heavy reliance on fossil energy. On the other hand, close to 30% of Cambodia's electricity comes from low-carbon sources, with hydropower making up nearly 25% and solar contributing around 5%. In addition, net imports represent almost 27% of the electricity mix, suggesting that Cambodia is still dependent on electricity from neighboring countries to meet its needs. These data points underline the essential role of both fossil and clean energy in Cambodia's current energy landscape.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Cambodia can draw inspiration from countries that have successfully integrated green energy, particularly nuclear and wind, into their grids. Although many high-achieving nations rely on nuclear power, Cambodia might look toward regions with a higher affinity for wind and solar, given its geographical similarities to some of these countries. For instance, Uruguay, at a similar stage of economic development, generates about 28% of its electricity from wind energy, demonstrating how effective wind integration can substantially elevate low-carbon electricity share. Meanwhile, given the successful solar initiatives in countries like Lebanon, which produces 31% of its electricity from solar, Cambodia can leverage its sunny environment to expand solar energy capacity.

History

Historically, Cambodia's journey with low-carbon electricity began on a modest scale. The early 2000s saw a gradual increase in hydropower, picking up pace significantly in the mid-2010s. In 2014, there was a notable surge with an addition of 0.8 TWh, followed by 2.3 TWh in 2018, marking a dramatic turning point. However, slight declines occurred in 2019 and 2020, which were offset by subsequent gains in solar energy, beginning in 2019. From 2021 onward, hydropower saw robust growth again, alongside steady solar expansion, with solar energy making a noteworthy addition of 0.3 TWh in 2024, reflecting Cambodia's commitment to diversifying its low-carbon energy sources. This consistent pattern of growth in hydropower and solar indicates a promising trajectory towards a more sustainable electricity future for the nation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources