Cambodia, France Mark 120 Years of Energy Cooperation with Focus on Green Transition

PHNOM PENH, July 24, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and France have pledged to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, smart grids and regional power integration as Phnom Penh accelerates its transition toward a greener electricity system.

The commitment was underscored at a July 23 farewell meeting between Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak and Sandrine Boucher, outgoing country director of the French Development Agency (AFD). Rottanak hailed France as a “long‑term technical partner” and cited the Green Energy Transition Partnership 2024–2027, which prioritises interconnection, efficiency and clean power.

He noted ongoing work with Électricité de France (EDF) on hydropower optimisation and pumped‑storage, saying the partnership builds on more than 120 years of French engagement since electricity was first introduced in Cambodia in 1906. France has also helped train generations of engineers through institutions established with EDF and AFD support.

Boucher described the relationship as strategic, extending beyond infrastructure to innovation and human capital. She praised Cambodia’s target of sourcing 70 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030, calling it among Southeast Asia’s most ambitious. “Developing a reliable and diversified renewable power base is all the more important to become a more resilient and sustainable country,” she said.

AFD has mobilised over €100 million in the past four years to strengthen Cambodia’s grid and support peer‑to‑peer technology transfer with Electricité du Cambodge. Its private‑sector arm Proparco has extended a US$20 million credit line to FTB to assist small operators and is exploring financing for solar and wind farms.

Looking ahead, Boucher cited three priorities: boosting regional interconnections to position Cambodia as a future exporter, advancing smart grids and energy storage, and promoting inclusive transition through the ministry’s Gender Strategic Action Plan 2026–2030. She said AFD will continue working with partners, including the EU’s Global Gateway, to mobilise financing.

Cambodia already generates more than 63 percent of its electricity from renewables, mainly hydropower and solar, with the government aiming for at least 70 percent by 2030.