In 2024, Cambodia's electricity consumption reflects a diverse mix of energy sources. Fossil fuels dominate the landscape, accounting for over 43% of the electricity consumed, with coal alone contributing 41%. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources make up nearly 30% of the electricity mix, with hydropower as the predominant clean contributor at about 25%, and solar energy contributing nearly 5%. Net imports account for about 27% of Cambodia's electricity, indicating a reliance on electricity from other countries to meet domestic demand. Overall, while low-carbon sources are a significant portion of the mix, the heavy reliance on fossil fuels indicates room for improvement in green electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Cambodia?
Electricity consumption in Cambodia is evidently on the rise, with the 2024 figures showing a notable increase to 1217 kWh per person compared to the 2023 record of 1083 kWh per person. This implies a growth of 134 kWh per person in just one year, underlining a growing demand for electricity. However, the situation for low-carbon electricity is less encouraging, as the low-carbon generation has slipped from a previous high of 401 kWh per person in 2022 to 362 kWh per person in 2024, marking a decline of 39 kWh per person. While the overall growth in electricity consumption is positive, the decline in low-carbon electricity generation is a cause for concern, emphasizing the need to amplify efforts in the clean energy sector.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Cambodia can look to successful regions for inspiration. Incorporating nuclear energy, as demonstrated by countries like France and Slovakia, where more than 60% of their electricity comes from nuclear sources, can offer a stable and substantial clean energy option. Additionally, solar energy has shown promise in countries like Lebanon, where solar constitutes over 30% of electricity generation. Adopting similar strategies, Cambodia can invest in nuclear facilities and expand solar capacity to increase its green electricity supply. By learning from these regions, Cambodia can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, addressing climate change and contributing to a healthier environment.
History
Historically, Cambodia's low-carbon electricity landscape indicates periods of substantial growth, especially in hydropower. The early 2000s saw minimal progress, but from 2012 onward, hydropower generation experienced significant increases, including jumps of 0.5 to 0.8 TWh annually until the notable leap of 2.3 TWh in 2018. However, the years 2019 and 2020 witnessed some fluctuations with minor reductions, countered by new solar contributions. Solar energy began its rise in 2019 and has grown steadily, although the net increase has been modest. Recently, in 2023, hydropower experienced another decrease, but solar continued its upward trajectory, indicating a shift towards a more solar-inclusive energy mix. Despite these fluctuations, the ongoing growth in solar energy reflects Cambodia's gradual but promising shift towards a broader low-carbon electricity portfolio.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.