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Cambodia to push for wind over coal in grid

  • Market: Coal
  • 10/10/24

Cambodia appears set to cap its coal-fired capacity at current levels, pushing instead to add wind to its grid by 2026.

"There is a need for Cambodia to continue to use coal-fired power, but not to allow new projects," mines and energy minister Keo Rattanak said, adding that the supply will be "affordable, stable and equitable".

Cambodia is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and the government has said it is on track to cut carbon emissions by 42pc by 2030.

Rattanak told the English-language Phnom Penh Post that Cambodia is expanding wind capacity with six projects in Mondulkiri province that will generate a combined 900MW. He said these will begin operations in 2026, and help to reduce electricity costs.

Hydro, solar and biomass made up 57.25pc of Cambodia's generation capacity last year, according to mining and energy ministry data, while coal had a 32.69pc share, with 1.3GW. But in terms of actual generation, coal accounted for 48.06pc.

Cambodia is building 265MW of coal-fired capacity, according to Global Energy Monitor data, but the government has not given any updates this year on progress with this.


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