Energy

Overview

In Cambodia, energy is delivered by the Electricity Authority of Cambodia, which is an autonomous state owned agency. Cambodia’s energy supply is mainly imported from the surrounding countries (approximately 55%). The Cambodian Government has expressed its support to increase its renewable energy production. In 2020, electricity generation was split 51% non-renewable, predominantly from coal, and 49% renewables, of which the majority (45%) was from hydro and marine power, predominantly on the Mekong River. Cambodia also has considerable biomass resources which are used in energy production, from agriculture residuals, rubber plantation forests and fast growing tropical trees. Wind capacity is too low for large-scale wind farming. 

Since 2005, transmission lines have been extended to supply isolated areas with cheaper imported or domestic-generated energy. However, in 2022, approximately 1.14 million people living in rural settings in Cambodia still lacked access to reliable electricity. Cambodia has some of the highest solar potential in the region with on average 1.2 to 1.6 megawatt hours (MWh) per square metre per year throughout the country, for an estimated technical potential of over 8,000 MW. The country’s first 10 MW solar power plant came online in 2017. Solar capacity remains low but has been increasing over the last five years. 

China has been building dams on the upper Basin of the Mekong River since 1991, for a current total of 11 mega-dams in China’s upper Mekong. Erratic dam management has been increasing the frequency and severity of downstream drought and sudden unexpected flooding events. Since 2019, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam have suffered through the worst ongoing drought in history, while China received normal precipitation levels. Ecological habitats (such as the Cambodian dolphin in the Mekong River) and the livelihoods of millions of people have been damaged. Including undermining the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Indigenous and ethnic minority people and fisheries providing critical sources of protein in Cambodia.

Current situation

Power lines have recently been installed in Pu Ngaol, with the capacity to connect the community to the main grid via a substation outside Senmonorom. Currently only half of the community are connected to the grid, despite having the capacity to connect the whole community, due to the high connection costs involved (415,200 to 1 million Cambodian riels, approximately $100-250 USD to connect to the grid). Others look to solar and lithium batteries, or jump the grid via other houses that are connected, which is dangerous and discouraged. Community members who have access to the grid will sometimes lend and charge rechargeable batteries. Businesses sometimes informally charge community members phones (2,000 riel per charge, approximately $0.49 USD) for a fee. Lead acid 12v car batteries (which can be refilled) or single use batteries are commonly used for household use such as lamps. Batteries can be purchased at the shop at the Community Meeting Hall, near the centre of Pu Ngaol. 

Households in Pu Ngaol mainly use firewood as fuel for cooking or boiling water, collected from the nearby forest. Cooking may be done over an open fire, or a clay oven. Families collect the wood themselves for their own household use everyday. Some use motorbikes to collect wood for fuel over two to three days. Small gas stoves with canisters are sometimes used. Single-use or refillable canisters are available to purchase from nearby shops. Three to five litre gas canisters can be refilled for 12,000-15,000 riels ($3-5 USD) each time. 

Refrigeration is not common in Pu Ngaol households. Some may have small ice boxes to store meat. Some nearby shops will have refrigeration for ice cream and soft drinks. There is a combined chest fridge/freezer kept at a primary school teachers house for school children to purchase frozen ice poles and sweets. No funds are provided by the school or government to cover the energy. The teacher and three additional households cover the costs. 

Projects

19. Renewable Energy

Cambodia has substantial solar potential across the country, however, solar power is very limited in Pu Ngaol. Some households have access to one solar panel for lighting or backup if the electricity fails. What ideas do you have to enhance the renewable energy capacity (wind, solar, hydroelectric power or hybrid ), offering residents an improved quality of life while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient community?

20. Biofuel

Cambodia's energy plan underscores the promise of harnessing biogas from animal waste for household cooking and lighting. Biodigesters have proven their effectiveness in regions of Cambodia susceptible to flooding by converting animal, plant, and kitchen waste into biogas and organic fertilizer. Are there any proposals for ensuring the secure generation and application of biogas in Pu Ngaol?

21. Affordable and efficient appliances

The lack of appliances and an energy management system means essential items like food, medicines, and perishables cannot be stored safely. In areas with inconsistent energy supply, both households and businesses face limitations on refrigeration. What creative remedies can you suggest for the development of affordable appliances and/or an intelligent energy management system?

22. Energy storage and systems

Batteries and energy storage systems play a crucial role in storing surplus energy generated from renewable sources. This stored energy can be tapped into during periods when renewable sources aren't actively producing power, ensuring a reliable and consistent energy supply. Can you provide some innovative ideas for designing and/or enhancing energy storage systems?