Cambodia Among World’s Lowest Carbon Emitters, Energy Minister Says

PHNOM PENH (Oct. 31, 2025) — Cambodia ranks among the world’s lowest carbon-emitting countries, largely due to its lack of heavy industry, according to Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak.

Speaking at the 3rd National Dialogue on Cambodia’s Energy Transition Toward a Carbon-Free Future, held as part of the 2025 Global Green and Sustainable Summit, Rottanak highlighted the country’s low greenhouse gas emissions and strong air quality indicators.

“Cambodia enjoys good air quality, well below any emergency pollution thresholds,” he said, noting the absence of large-scale industrial factories.

Rottanak credited former Prime Minister Hun Sen for laying the groundwork for green energy development, which is now being expanded under Prime Minister Hun Manet. He said 62% of Cambodia’s national power grid currently comes from clean energy sources such as hydropower, biomass and solar — exceeding ASEAN’s 2030–2035 target of 40%.

“Our ambition is to increase the share of clean energy to 70% by 2030,” he said, adding that the transition supports both national and global sustainability goals.

He also emphasized the economic benefits of green energy, saying it attracts modern industries, investors and tourists, while creating jobs for Cambodian youth and positioning the country as a regional leader in sustainability.