Australia backs Cambodia’s clean energy transition to boost security and cut costs

PHNOM PENH, April 9, 2026 (KPT) – Australia has pledged stronger support for Cambodia’s clean energy transition, aiming to bolster energy security, reduce costs, and accelerate the shift toward renewable power, officials said Wednesday.

Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip said expanding reliable renewable energy sources was critical to powering homes and businesses while ensuring sustainability and long-term security.

“Expanding the supply of reliable renewable energy is critical to powering homes and businesses while ensuring a sustainable future,” he noted, citing the growing number of solar, hydropower, and battery storage projects across the country.

Among these is a 300-megawatt solar farm in Kampong Chhnang province, which can generate enough electricity annually to power more than 500,000 rural households. Officials said the project reflects Cambodia’s significant potential to scale up alternative energy sources as part of its broader energy strategy.

Australia’s support spans technical expertise, workforce development, and private sector engagement. This includes providing energy forecasting tools to improve grid reliability, supporting internships to build human capital—particularly for young women in the energy sector—and promoting energy efficiency among factories, hotels, and agribusinesses to cut costs and emissions.

The collaboration comes as Cambodia seeks to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, amid volatility in global oil markets linked to Middle East disruptions.

According to Keo Rottanak, more than 63 percent of Cambodia’s electricity already comes from clean energy sources, including hydropower and solar. The government aims to raise this share to at least 70 percent by 2030, a transition expected to stabilize prices, improve supply reliability, and strengthen resilience to external shocks.