Energy in Cambodia covers the energy sources used in the country including nuclear, fossil fuels, traditional fuels, and hydro-power. Information on Cambodia's energy usage and the country's goals goals of development in terms of a green economy are also included.
Since 1991, Cambodia has been included in the United Nations list of least developed countries. The country has been growing their electrical grid in order to provide more homes and families with electricity. [1] Along with other ASEAN member states, Cambodia remains one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world; therefore, it is recommended that the country focuses on developing more renewable energy as part of climate change mitigation policies. [2]
Much of the countries energy is generated through nuclear energy, fossil fuel. Fossil fuels are imported to the country which can be costly because of the changes in market price. [3] Cambodia controls offshore oil reserves in the Gulf of Thailand; however, the only attempt to extract oil ended in the failure in 2021 of the Apsara field project after production did not meet expectations. [4] The leading sources of energy in Cambodia are traditional fuels like firewood. It is estimated that biofuels like firewood are still relied on by 87% of the residential sector for energy. [5] For electricity, many rural communities are making use of solar power. Cambodia had 305 MW of solar installed at the end of 2021, with seven grid-connected projects. Another 700 MW was planned or under construction. [6]
Cambodia's National Council for Sustainable Development is a council that is focused on growing the country's green economy. Some of their tactics when it comes to accomplishing this goal include making more jobs involved in clean energy and sustainability available, enhancing education on climate change, and promoting ecological restoration in order to improve carbon sinks. Another way they intend to succeed is through the implementation or transfer to renewable energy. [7] Considering the level of development in Cambodia, the country has the opportunity to install more clean energy options as opposed to options that cause greater pollution. [8]
While solar installation has been successful in parts of the country, the largest source of renewable energy is large-scale hydropower. However, this method has been debated as 14 other hydropower facilities in Southeast Asia have seen emissions that are comparable to fossil fuel plants. [1]
Energy usage per capita in Cambodia is 631.37 kWh on average while average energy use in the United States is 12,325.52 kWh. [9] Demand for energy is also increasing rapidly in the country. According to a study from Vichet Keo using the ARIMA (1,2,2) model and Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP) model, energy demands could jump to 87.74 TWh in 2050. [10]
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