Electricity in Cambodia in 2022

In 2022, Cambodia’s electricity consumption was relatively balanced between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Low-carbon sources, which include hydropower, solar, and biofuels, contributed roughly 4.5 TWh, with hydropower accounting for the majority at 4 TWh and solar making minor contributions. On the fossil energy side, coal dominated with 3.8 TWh, and the total fossil generation was around 4.3 TWh. Cambodia also relied on net imports of 3.6 TWh. This yields a per capita electricity consumption significantly lower than the global average of 432 watts per person, highlighting a potential for energy poverty, impacts on economic growth, and limited access to modern amenities for many Cambodians.

Suggestions

Looking forward, Cambodia can learn from countries excelling in low-carbon electricity generation. For instance, China leads the way in wind and solar power, generating 886 TWh and 584 TWh respectively. The United States excels in nuclear power with 775 TWh and also produces a considerable amount of wind energy (425 TWh). Closer to Cambodia, India has noteworthy achievements in solar power with 113 TWh and wind energy with 82 TWh. By adopting similar technologies and policies, such as investing in large-scale solar farms or onshore and offshore wind projects, Cambodia could significantly enhance its low-carbon electricity generation capacity, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and achieve a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

History

Historically, Cambodia’s journey in low-carbon electricity generation has been marked by slow but steady improvements. From 2000 to 2011, notable developments were minimal with fluctuating increments in hydropower. Significant changes began post-2012, where hydropower saw consistent annual increases, peaking with a sharp rise in 2018 of 2 TWh. Solar power gradually started making its mark from 2019 onwards, contributing modestly yet steadily. While there were occasional drops such as in hydropower in 2019 and slight regressions or zero growth in subsequent years including 2022 for solar, the overall trend shows a commitment towards expanding low-carbon electricity. This historical context underscores the potential and need for further advancements in clean energy technologies, particularly in scaling up solar, wind, and possibly exploring nuclear energy options.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources