Cambodia Pursues Energy Security Through Renewables, Regional Connectivity and Diversified Supply

MANILA, June 11, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is stepping up efforts to strengthen energy security through renewable expansion, regional power connectivity and diversified supply, aiming to reduce exposure to global market shocks, Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak said Thursday.

Speaking at the Asia Clean Energy Forum hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Rottanak said energy security had become increasingly vital amid geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties and volatile fuel prices affecting agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.

“Energy security is a macroeconomic question, a competitiveness question, and it is also a household question,” he said.

More than 60 percent of Cambodia’s electricity already comes from clean and renewable sources, with a target of 70 percent by 2030. To support that goal, the government is investing in generation, storage, transmission and regional interconnections. Key projects include the nearly US$1 billion Upper Tatay Pumped Storage Hydropower Project and a utility-scale battery system backed by ADB.

Rottanak said reforms under the Power Development Master Plan 2022–2040 and National Energy Efficiency Policy 2022–2030 aim to create a more predictable investment environment, simplify permitting and standardise power contracts.

Regional cooperation is central to Cambodia’s strategy. The country is participating in the ASEAN Power Grid initiative and recently signed a joint study framework with Laos and the ASEAN Centre for Energy on cross-border electricity interconnection.

Cambodia is also working with ADB to expand financing for renewable projects and promote clean technologies, including electric tuk-tuks and energy-efficient solutions for small businesses.

“Whether the world gives us orderly conditions or not, Cambodia will keep building the systems that will give us options, resilience, and opportunities that reach our people,” Rottanak said.