Cambodia’s share of renewables in final energy consumption (FEC) has dropped from 60.6% in 2016 to 52.4% by end-2023, despite substantial increases in green energy generation, according to an ASEAN Secretariat report.
(Source: Asean Stats)
Cambodia maintains the highest renewable energy share among ASEAN member states, alongside Laos PDR at 50%. Other regional countries lag significantly, with Malaysia (1.4%), Singapore (0.86%), Myanmar (0.11%), and Brunei (0.02%). Most ASEAN nations report renewable usage between 13.2% and 33%.
The decline in Cambodia’s renewable share occurs as total energy consumption grows faster than renewable capacity additions, indicating increasing reliance on conventional energy sources to meet rising demand.
Government Targets and Investment
The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) aims to achieve 70% renewable power generation by 2030. Cambodia’s Power Development Plan (2022-2040) outlines substantial renewable expansion aligned with the country’s carbon neutrality commitment by 2050.
Solar power capacity is projected to increase dramatically from 432MW in 2022 to 1,000MW by 2030 and 3,155MW by 2040—an 800% increase. This would make solar the largest renewable source, surpassing hydropower which currently dominates at 45% of the energy mix. Hydropower capacity will expand from 1,330MW to 3,000MW by 2040, while renewable biomass will grow from 27MW to 198MW over the same period.
Development Challenges
The slight decline in Cambodia’s renewable energy share reflects a broader trend seen in many developing economies, where rapid growth in energy demand can temporarily outpace the expansion of renewable capacity. Although Cambodia continues to generate more green energy than before, conventional sources are still needed to meet the rising consumption. Achieving the 2030 renewable targets will hinge on accelerating deployment while managing the pressures of economic growth. Continued private sector engagement and support from development partners will play a key role in closing the investment gap and advancing the country’s energy transition.
Source: Cambodia’s share of renewables in FEC declines | Khmer Times (khmertimeskh.com)