In 2022, Cambodia's electricity landscape was characterized by a fairly balanced consumption of low-carbon and fossil energy sources. More than half of the electricity came from clean energy, with hydropower contributing a significant 32%, while solar power accounted for a modest 3%. Fossil fuels provided slightly more than a third of Cambodia's electricity, dominated by coal which made up 31%. Net imports brought in almost 29% of Cambodia's electricity, likely supplementing both low-carbon and fossil-based generation. This demonstrates a strong reliance on hydropower within the low-carbon sector, indicating potential for diversifying with other clean sources like solar or wind.
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Cambodia could look to diversify its energy mix by drawing lessons from global successes. Countries such as Denmark and Uruguay have substantially harnessed wind power, with percentages at 61% and 36% respectively, showcasing the viability of extensive wind energy implementation. On the other hand, France leads in nuclear energy, deriving 67% of its electricity from this stable low-carbon source. While Cambodia does not currently include nuclear energy, it can be inspired by the efficient incorporation of nuclear exemplified by countries like Slovakia and Ukraine, where nuclear has become a cornerstone of their green energy strategies. This can offer Cambodia a pathway to minimize dependence on fossil fuels, reduce air pollution, and contribute positively to climate change mitigation.
Over the last two decades, Cambodia's strides in low-carbon electricity have been gradual, primarily driven by the growth of hydropower. In the early 2000s, hydropower saw modest increases, followed by more substantial developments from 2012 to 2018, peaking with a 2 TWh increase in 2018. Solar energy began making its contribution in 2019, growing incrementally to 2020, although it remains a small component of the overall energy picture. Notably, hydropower experienced a few setbacks with minor declines in 2019 and 2021, indicating that while it remains a staple, diversification is important for resilience. Within this context, Cambodia's low-carbon electricity journey reflects both the potential and the need for diversity to ensure a sustainable and robust energy future.