Cambodia's electricity consumption in 2024 presents a varied profile with a notable dependence on fossil energy sources. Fossil fuels, together with coal, contribute significantly to the mix, making up more than 43% of electricity consumption, with coal alone accounting for slightly more than 41%. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution, highlights the urgent need for a transition to more sustainable options. Low-carbon energy accounts for almost 30% of the consumption, with hydropower being the dominant clean source at approximately 25%. Solar energy, while small in comparison, makes up nearly 5% of Cambodia's electricity mix. Net imports play a significant role, contributing around 27% to the consumption pattern.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Cambodia?
Examining the growth in electricity consumption, Cambodia displays a notable increase in per capita usage. The latest data indicates an average consumption of 1217 kWh per person in 2024, up from the previous record of 1083 kWh per person in 2023. This growth represents an increase of 134 kWh per person, an encouraging trend for overall electricity demand. Conversely, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a regrettable decline. In 2024, only 362 kWh per person came from clean sources, marking a decrease from the 2022 high of 401 kWh per person. This shortfall of 39 kWh per person is disheartening given the pressing need to shift away from fossil-fuel dependence.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Cambodia could learn from successful global regions. Countries such as France and Slovakia have achieved impressive results with nuclear energy, generating about 67% and 66% of their electricity from this source, respectively. Solar energy is another area ripe for expansion, as demonstrated by North Macedonia and Nevada where solar makes up nearly 50% and 34% of electricity generation, respectively. By contemplating substantial investments in nuclear power while expanding solar infrastructure, Cambodia can significantly reduce its fossil-fuel footprint and secure a clean, sustainable electricity supply.
History
The journey of low-carbon electricity generation in Cambodia has witnessed ups and downs over the past decade. In the early 2010s, steady increments were made primarily through hydropower, with consistent growth especially noticeable between 2012 and 2016. A remarkable surge occurred in 2018 with an addition of 2 TWh but was followed by a slight decline in subsequent years. Notably, solar power began its incremental progression in 2019 and has shown promising growth into 2024. These trends underscore the potential of solar energy as a complement to hydropower. However, the setbacks experienced, especially in the declining contribution from hydropower post-2022, suggest that embracing a diverse mix of low-carbon sources, particularly solar and nuclear, is crucial to ensure a robust and clean electricity future.
