Cambodia Advances Toward 70% Clean Energy Goal by 2030

Solar panels and hydropower dam representing Cambodia's renewable energy expansion

Cambodia is making steady progress toward its goal of generating 70 percent of its energy from clean sources by 2030, according to Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy.

Speaking at the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit in Phnom Penh, the minister highlighted the country’s growing reliance on renewable power and outlined the government’s strategy for expanding sustainable energy production in the coming years.

Clean Energy Share Continues to Grow

Cambodia’s clean energy capacity has expanded significantly over the past few years. By 2025, renewable and environmentally friendly sources accounted for around 63 percent of the nation’s total energy consumption, the minister said.

With several additional green energy projects recently approved, that figure is projected to climb to approximately 67 percent by 2026.

“This continued expansion will bring Cambodia closer to achieving its 2030 target of having 70 percent of its energy generated from clean sources,” he noted.

Key Sources of Renewable Energy

Currently, Cambodia’s renewable energy mix is dominated by several key sources, including:

  • Hydropower
  • Solar energy
  • Biomass energy

Together, these sources supply more than 63 percent of the country’s electricity, helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels and supporting Cambodia’s broader sustainability agenda.

Exceeding Regional Renewable Targets

Cambodia’s progress places the country well ahead of the regional target set by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which aims for 35 percent renewable energy across the region by 2030.

Officials say the Kingdom’s strong performance demonstrates the effectiveness of its national energy strategy and long-term planning.

Strategic Roadmap for Sustainable Power

Cambodia’s push toward clean energy is guided by the Power Development Master Plan 2022–2040, a national framework designed to expand renewable electricity production while ensuring stable energy supply for economic growth.

Under this plan, several new renewable power projects have already been approved, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

The roadmap also aligns with Cambodia’s broader environmental ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Beyond environmental protection, officials believe the expansion of green energy will deliver significant economic advantages.

Minister Keo Rottanak noted that sustainable energy development is increasingly attractive to international investors, manufacturers, and tourism operators, many of whom prioritize environmentally responsible destinations.

In addition, the transition toward renewable energy is expected to create new job opportunities for young people, particularly in sectors related to clean technology, infrastructure development, and environmental management.

As Cambodia continues to scale up renewable energy capacity, the country is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable energy development while advancing toward its ambitious climate and economic goals.

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