Electricity in Cambodia in 2022

In 2022, Cambodia's electricity consumption presented a nearly balanced mix of low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Low-carbon sources, which include hydropower and solar, combined to generate over 36% of the country's electricity. Among these, hydropower had a significant share, contributing about 32%, while solar energy added a minor 3%, reflecting an area with room for growth. Fossil fuels were responsible for approximately 35% of electricity production, with coal being the main fossil source at around 31%. The remaining 29% of Cambodia's electricity was imported, indicating a reliance on external sources to meet its energy demands.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Cambodia could look to the examples of countries that have successfully integrated clean energy solutions. For instance, Denmark generates nearly 60% of its electricity from wind power, showcasing the potential for wind energy even in regions that may initially seem unlikely candidates. Uruguay also serves as an admirable model, with a third of its electricity coming from wind power. For solar energy, Chile and Greece each generate around 22% of their electricity from solar, highlighting the feasibility of significantly boosting solar capacity. While Cambodia does not currently use nuclear power, many countries relying on low-carbon energy produce a substantial portion of their electricity with this clean source, and Cambodia might consider exploring this option to diversify and stabilize its energy production.

History

Examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Cambodia reveals a gradual yet steady increase in hydropower, particularly throughout the 2010s. Starting in 2000 with minimal growth, the expansion became more pronounced around 2012, with an increase of about 0.5 TWh each year through 2014. Substantial progress was made by 2018 when hydroelectric generation spiked by an impressive 2 TWh. While the following year saw a decline of 0.7 TWh, solar energy began contributing to the mix by generating 0.1 TWh, marking Cambodia's initial foray into this clean energy source. These trends indicate a modest yet growing commitment to low-carbon electricity sources in Cambodia, reflecting both achievements and opportunities for future expansion.

Electrification

We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources