China's Jinshan Explores Battambang for Bioethanol Crop

PHNOM PENH, Sept 23, 2026 (KPT) — China’s Jinshan Hi‑Tech Group is exploring Battambang province as a potential site for cultivating an industrial crop to produce bioethanol, as part of a wider green‑energy project in Cambodia. Meeting Industry Minister Hem Vanndy in Phnom Penh, Jinshan Chairman Yang Haixin outlined plans to research and cultivate super Arundo donax, a high‑yield crop used for bioethanol production. He said Cambodia’s climate is similar to southern China, where the company has achieved strong results, and expressed hope of bringing mature Chinese technologies to support Cambodia’s socioeconomic development. Vanndy encouraged Jinshan to assess Battambang’s suitability, noting the province’s agricultural base in rice, cassava and maize could support a feasibility study. He said some areas might transition from traditional crops to industrial cultivation, but stressed the need for detailed technical and commercial assessments. “Pricing remains critical for Cambodian consumers and enterprises,” he said, urging demonstration projects before wider deployment. Jinshan presented four areas of cooperation: cultivating and researching Arundo donax, building bioethanol facilities, developing distributed green power plants, and advancing science and technology collaboration. The Hong Kong‑based firm said its technology can convert bioethanol into hydrogen‑rich fuel for generators, vessels and extended‑range electric vehicles, and expressed interest in assembling power‑generation equipment in Cambodia for ASEAN markets.