In 2024, electricity consumption in Cambodia is characterized by a notable reliance on fossil fuels, which account for just over 43% of electricity generation. This is primarily driven by coal, which contributes more than 41%. On the clean energy front, almost a third of Cambodia's electricity comes from low-carbon sources. Hydropower is a significant contributor, forming almost 25% of the electricity mix, while solar energy represents nearly 5%. Net imports, which aren’t specifically categorized as either fossil or low-carbon, contribute close to 27% of electricity consumption. These numbers emphasize the urgent need for Cambodia to diversify and increase its low-carbon electricity generation to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and their associated negative environmental impacts.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Cambodia?
Electricity consumption in Cambodia has been on an upward trajectory, with 2024 seeing an increase to 1217 kWh per person, up from the previous record of 1083 kWh per person in 2023. This marks a significant increase of 134 kWh per person, showcasing the country's growing demand for electricity. However, in terms of low-carbon electricity generation, Cambodia saw a decline. The latest per capita low-carbon electricity generation is at 362 kWh, a decrease from the previous record of 401 kWh in 2022, resulting in a change of -39 kWh. This decline is concerning, especially in the face of growing electricity needs and the global push for more sustainable energy solutions.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Cambodia can draw inspiration from other regions that have successfully deployed solar and nuclear energy. For instance, solar power in places like California and Lebanon, where it contributes more than 30% of their electricity, highlights solar power's potential. Likewise, nuclear energy has been an anchor of low-carbon generation in countries like France and Slovakia, where it accounts for over 65% of electricity. By investing in solar installations and considering nuclear projects, Cambodia can significantly increase its low-carbon electricity share. Solar offers a decentralized and scalable solution, ideal for Cambodia's geographical context, while nuclear can provide a stable and substantial clean energy supply necessary for a sustainable energy future.
History
Historically, Cambodia's low-carbon electricity has largely been driven by hydropower. From 2012 to 2018, there was a general trend of increasing hydropower generation, peaking with significant growth in 2018. There were some fluctuations, such as a slight reduction in 2019 and 2020, but capacity seemed to rebound briefly in 2021 and 2022 before another decline in 2023. Solar electricity saw modest growth, beginning its increase in earnest around 2019 with steady contributions each year. While this progress is commendable, reliance solely on hydropower may limit Cambodia's ability to fully transition to a greener future. Thus, it's crucial for Cambodia to expand its clean energy portfolio by actively investing in both solar and nuclear energy in order to ensure a resilient and sustainable energy system moving forward.
