As of 2024, Cambodia's electricity consumption is characterized by a significant reliance on fossil energy sources, with coal accounting for more than 40% of the total mix. Fossil fuels in total contribute to over 43% of the country's electricity generation, forming the backbone of the system. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources, such as hydropower and solar, contribute to almost 30%, with hydropower leading at about 25% and solar at roughly 5%. There is also a noteworthy portion of electricity derived from net imports, making up nearly 27%. The current energy scenario indicates a notable dependence on fossil fuels and imports, while the contribution of low-carbon sources, though substantial, still leaves ample room for improvement.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Cambodia?
Electricity consumption per person in Cambodia has increased, reaching 1217 kWh in 2024, up from the previous record of 1083 kWh in 2023. This substantial rise of 134 kWh highlights the country's growing appetite for electricity. However, the recent trend shows a setback in low-carbon electricity generation, with the latest generation standing at 362 kWh per person, down from the 2022 high of 401 kWh. This decrease of 39 kWh in clean electricity is concerning, indicating that while overall consumption is on the rise, the growth in cleaner energy has not kept up. It underscores the urgent need for Cambodia to enhance its investment in sustainable energy sources to meet rising demand and reduce its carbon footprint.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Cambodia can take inspiration from regions with successful clean energy initiatives. For instance, Cyprus and Lebanon have made notable strides in solar energy, achieving shares of 23% and 31% respectively. Cambodia can draw from their experience to enhance its solar capacity. Additionally, nuclear energy presents a promising avenue, with countries like France and Slovakia generating over 60% of their electricity through nuclear power. By developing its own nuclear capacity alongside expanding solar facilities, Cambodia could significantly enhance its low-carbon electricity share. Learning from these countries' pathways could help Cambodia reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and imports, promoting a sustainable and self-sufficient energy landscape.
History
Historically, Cambodia's journey with low-carbon electricity has predominantly revolved around hydropower. From 2012 to 2016, incremental increases were observed, with hydropower contributing progressively to the energy mix each year. The year 2018 marked a notable leap with a substantial surge of 2 TWh in hydropower generation. However, subsequent years saw fluctuations, including a minor decline in 2019 and 2023. Solar energy started gaining traction in recent years, with incremental growth since 2019. The consistent addition of solar generation, alongside hydropower, reflects Cambodia’s potential in expanding its low-carbon electricity offerings, though the journey has seen its share of fluctuations. Emphasizing and accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies like solar and exploring nuclear options could be the key to a more robust and sustainable energy profile for Cambodia.
