Cambodia Accelerates Renewable Energy Target to 70% by 2030

Cambodia is accelerating its national energy transition with an official target to source at least 70 percent of its domestic electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Renewable energy sources already account for more than 63 percent of Cambodia’s domestic installed power capacity, led by hydropower and solar, H.E. Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, said in a recorded video at the Clean Energy Week 2026 held here on Sept. 15. The Ministry is complementing that generation with the storage and the flexibility needed to make it reliable. Cambodian companies are on course to deliver more than 1,100 MW of solar in a single cluster by year-end, accompanied by 500 MW of battery storage, he said. The Asian Development Bank has approved financing for a 250 MW /500 MWh battery system in Kampong Chhnang province, and construction has also begun on the 1,000 MW Upper Tatay Pumped Storage project. “Together, more renewable generation and the storage to firm it will help Cambodia reach at least 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 while keeping supply reliable,” H.E. Keo Rottanak said. The Ministry of Mines and Energy emphasised that expanding clean generation is as much about economic strategy as climate action. Investors and international buyers are increasingly examining the reliability, cost, and carbon intensity of electricity across their operations and supply chains. “As reliable, cleaner electricity reaches further into the economy, it can create a wider industrial opportunity,” he said. Australia has been a founding sponsor of Clean Energy Week since its launch in 2018, supporting Cambodia’s journey towards a more sustainable, reliable and resilient energy future. As Cambodia advances its clean energy transition, Australia is working alongside government, industry and development partners to strengthen energy planning, expand access to green finance and create inclusive pathways to careers in the clean energy sector, said H.E. Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador. “Cambodia has the opportunity to be a beacon for renewable energy – and clean energy could be key to a more secure, resilient future,” he said at the summit. By Chea Vannak