In 2024, Cambodia's electricity consumption reveals a landscape where fossil fuels still play a significant role. More than 40% of Cambodia's electricity is generated from fossil sources, with coal contributing the bulk at just over 41%. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources provide almost a third of the country's electricity, showcasing Cambodia's commitment to cleaner energy solutions. Hydropower leads the way, contributing nearly a quarter of the national electricity supply, followed by solar energy, which makes up close to 5%. Additionally, Cambodia relies on net imports for nearly 27% of its electricity, highlighting an opportunity to increase domestic electricity generation capacity and reduce dependence on external sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Cambodia?
Cambodia's electricity consumption is experiencing notable growth. In the latest figures from 2024, electricity consumption per person reached 1217 kWh, reflecting an increase of 134 kWh from the previous annual high set in 2023. This surge is a positive indicator of economic development and improved access to electricity. However, it is concerning to note that while overall electricity consumption is rising, low-carbon electricity consumption per person decreased by 39 kWh compared to the peak in 2022. While such growth in overall consumption is encouraging, increased focus and investment in low-carbon energy are crucial to ensure that the expansion is clean and sustainable.
Suggestions
Cambodia can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by taking inspiration from successful regions. Countries like France and Slovakia have achieved significant outputs with nuclear energy accounting for around 69% and 67% of their electricity supply, respectively. Emulating such nuclear prowess, alongside enhancing solar energy output, will be key for Cambodia. Likewise, states such as Nevada (solar, 30%) and Lebanon (solar, 31%) show the great potential of solar energy. By investing in nuclear and solar technology, Cambodia could significantly advance its clean energy goals, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and drive sustainable economic growth.
History
Regarding Cambodia's history with low-carbon electricity, the past decade has seen significant advancements. In the early 2010s, hydropower capacity steadily increased each year until sharper rises were observed, such as a surge in 2018. The notable downturn in 2019's hydro output was fortunately offset by an introduction of solar electricity. Similarly, from 2020 onward, incremental gains in solar capacity helped sustainably diversify Cambodia's energy mix. The latest year of 2024 witnessed further solar gains, yet the overall trend emphasizes the importance of ongoing investments in solar, alongside explorations into nuclear energy production—even in the absence of historical changes in nuclear electricity from Cambodia. Increasing low-carbon capacity will be crucial for future-proofing Cambodia's energy landscape.
