Cambodia Reaffirms Push for Reliable, Affordable and Clean Energy

NEW DELHI, April 30, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is stepping up efforts to diversify energy sources, expand electrification and accelerate clean power development, Energy Minister Keo Rottanak said Thursday.

Speaking in New Delhi, Rottanak told The Economist that resilience in the energy sector depends on long term vision, practical partnerships and balanced policy. “The global energy crisis has reminded us that no country can take energy security for granted,” he said, stressing Cambodia’s drive to build a system able to withstand future shocks.

More than 63 percent of Cambodia’s electricity now comes from clean sources, including hydropower and solar, with a target of at least 70 percent by 2030. The government is rolling out nationwide electric vehicle charging infrastructure, expanding renewable capacity and reducing reliance on petroleum in transport, manufacturing and agriculture.

Officials said Cambodia is also exploring plans to develop its first oil refinery by 2029 to strengthen fuel storage and long term security. In April, construction began on the $1 billion Upper Tatay Pumped Storage Hydropower Project, the country’s first of its kind, designed to boost grid stability and support the clean energy transition.

Developed by Chinese enterprises, the facility is expected to be completed within five years with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts.

Rottanak said Cambodia remains committed to ensuring energy is reliable, affordable and increasingly clean, while advancing regional cooperation and cross border integration to reinforce resilience.