EU and France Boost Cambodia's Grid Modernization for Renewable Energy Push

PHNOM PENH, Sept 21, 2026 (KPT) — The European Union and France have stepped up support for Cambodia’s electricity‑grid modernisation as the Kingdom prepares to integrate more renewable energy and storage into its power system, officials said. The latest cooperation includes €750,000 in EU‑funded support for advanced training equipment and a real‑time power‑system simulator, alongside a sustainable grid development project financed through a concessional loan from the French Development Agency (AFD). The contracts were unveiled Friday by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Electricité du Cambodge (EDC), the EU and France through AFD. EU Ambassador Igor Driesmans said the projects represent an investment in young Cambodian engineers and technicians. He noted the simulators and training equipment would strengthen learning at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia and the Institute of Electrical Science, giving students practical experience under conditions that mirror real power systems. He added that modernising the grid while developing technical skills reflects the EU’s “360‑degree approach” under its Global Gateway initiative. French Ambassador Olivier Richard said AFD has provided more than €190 million in financing over three decades to strengthen Cambodia’s power system. He highlighted measures including grid monitoring, transmission reinforcement, battery storage and academic cooperation with Université Grenoble Alpes. Richard said the projects will contribute to energy security, reduce Cambodia’s carbon footprint and support economic growth. He also announced progress on a new €25 million AFD commitment to introduce live‑line maintenance technology, with signing expected around the Francophonie Summit and the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron. Cambodia has set a target of sourcing at least 70 percent of its installed capacity from renewables by 2030, with current levels already above 63 percent. Officials said the EU and France’s latest commitments combine infrastructure, technology, research and human‑resource development, helping Cambodia build a power system capable of accommodating more renewable energy while maintaining reliability. Source: Kampuchea Thmey English