Electricity in Cambodia in 2021

As of 2021, Cambodia's electricity consumption shows a near-equal balance between low-carbon and fossil energy. The country generates just over 4.6 trillion watt hours (TWh) from low-carbon sources and slightly below that, around 4.1 TWh from fossil fuel, suggesting a commendable move towards cleaner energy sources. Hydropower is the main contributor to low-carbon energy at 4 TWh, whilst coal dominates the fossil energy sector at approximately 3.65 TWh. However, there is a significant contribution of around 3.6 TWh from net imports. These figures, compared to the global average of 410 watts per person, suggest that Cambodia's energy generation is lower. This low level of electricity generation could potentially hinder economic development, technological progression and improvement in living standards.

Suggestions

Following the pathway of other success stories can boost Cambodia's low-carbon electricity generation. Taking notes from China and the USA, Cambodia could harness wind and solar power, while a model to consider for nuclear energy could be those adopted by countries such as the United States, France, and South Korea. Indeed, Cambodia could learn from its regional neighbour, Vietnam, which has made substantial progress in solar power generation with 27 TWh. These adjustments could diversify Cambodia's energy portfolio, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and meet rising domestic energy demand in a sustainable manner.

History

Looking at Cambodia's history of low-carbon electricity, there's been an increasing trend in hydropower since the year 2000. The beginning of the 21st century saw minor growth in hydropower, roughly 0.1 TWh, but it witnessed a significant addition of 2 TWh in 2018, signalling a shift towards greener choices. Alongside hydro, biofuels also made a fleeting appearance in Cambodia's energy mix around 2014. However, its contribution has remained relatively small and somewhat inconsistent. Meanwhile, solar power, a relatively new player in the country's energy scene, made its debut only in 2019 but showed promise with a slight increase in use in subsequent years. While the move towards low-carbon energy sources is commendable, there's ample room for further growth and diversification in Cambodia's energy landscape.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources