MISTI calls clean energy key to Cambodia’s industrial competitiveness

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 3, 2025) — Cambodia’s Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) Hem Vanndy said Thursday that clean energy is no longer optional, but essential to driving industrial competitiveness and sustainable growth.

Speaking at the opening of Clean Energy Week 2025, held under the theme “Promoting Clean Energy Economy,” Vanndy emphasized that Cambodia’s future depends on how intelligently and sustainably it produces and consumes energy. The week-long event is organized by EnergyLab Asia in partnership with AustralianAid and UNDP.

“Clean energy is no longer an alternative; it is the imperative,” Vanndy said. “It is the key to unlocking our next chapter of growth.”

Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip said Cambodia is well-positioned to benefit from the global clean energy transition. “With the right policies, Cambodia can improve energy stability, reduce costs, and attract responsible investment,” Yip said. “Clean energy is not just good for the environment—it’s good for business.”

Cambodia’s government has made clean energy a cornerstone of its Power Development Plan, aiming to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. As of 2025, over half of Cambodia’s installed power capacity comes from renewable sources, including hydropower and solar.

Vanndy cited initiatives such as the Green Industry Awards, SWITCH Garment’s Model Green Factory Program, and Green Special Economic Zones as examples of how sustainability enhances productivity and global market access. He called for stronger public-private partnerships and investment in skills and innovation to build a future-ready workforce.