Kachay Hydropower: A Royal Dream Realized, Securing Cambodia's Energy Future

The Kachay Hydropower project, located in Kampot Province, southern Cambodia, represents a long-held dream of the late King Norodom Sihanouk, which was brought to fruition under the leadership of former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen. Currently, Prime Minister Samdech Kittipulvadech Hun Manet is continuing to oversee and maintain the project for the benefit of the Cambodian people. During an inspection of the Kachay Hydropower dam, Minister of Mines and Energy H.E. Keo Rattanak highlighted the project's historical significance. He noted that studies for the project began as early as the socialist era, involving Japanese experts (OTCA/JICA), the Mekong River Commission, and the former Soviet Union. However, the project faced interruptions due to war and the global financial crisis of 1997. Later, Samdech Techo Hun Sen revived the project through the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy in collaboration with China's Sinohydro Corporation. The dam was completed and commissioned in 2012, boasting an installed capacity of 194.1 megawatts. It plays a crucial role in supplying over 63% of Cambodia's total electricity needs with clean energy. Beyond power generation, the Kachay Hydropower project also contributes to mitigating flood risks in Kampot city, maintaining natural water flow in the Tuol River during the dry season, and serving as a source of clean water for Kampot Province. Under the current leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Kittipulvadech Hun Manet, the project continues to receive significant attention. Despite potential risks arising from infrastructure development along the riverbanks since 2012, the project team is actively cooperating with Electricité du Cambodge and the Kampot Provincial Administration. They are implementing special measures, such as providing advance notification before opening the dam gates, to ensure the safety and sustainable development for the residents of Kampot Province.