Cambodia is flipping the switch on a new energy era.
In 2025, the Kingdom’s total installed power capacity climbed to 5,932 megawatts (MW)—a robust 14.4 percent increase from 5,183 MW in 2024. That’s not just incremental growth. That’s acceleration.
At the same time, electricity consumption jumped to 22,361 gigawatt-hours (GWh), up sharply from 19,972 GWh the year before. In simple terms? Cambodia is producing more power—and using more of it than ever before.
But here’s the real headline: renewable energy now accounts for over 63 percent of the country’s total installed capacity.
Let that sink in.
In a region where fossil fuels still dominate many national grids, Cambodia is quietly positioning itself as one of ASEAN’s clean energy frontrunners.
So how did this happen? And what does it mean for the country’s economic future?
Let’s break it down.
Installed Power Capacity In Cambodia: A 14.4 Percent Leap Forward
According to a report released by the Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC), the country’s energy infrastructure expanded significantly in 2025.
A jump from 5,183 MW to 5,932 MW in just one year reflects aggressive development in generation projects and grid enhancement. That’s nearly 750 MW of additional capacity added in 12 months.
Why does this matter?
Because energy capacity is the backbone of economic growth. No factories run without electricity. No digital economy thrives without stable power. No modern society functions in the dark.
As Cambodia’s industries expand—manufacturing, construction, services, and technology—energy demand rises. Capacity growth ensures the supply keeps pace with ambition.
Think of it like widening a highway before traffic congestion stalls progress.
Electricity Consumption Hits 22,361 GWh: Powering Economic Expansion
Capacity is one thing. Usage is another.
Electricity consumption rose from 19,972 GWh in 2024 to 22,361 GWh in 2025. That’s a sharp climb—and a clear sign of expanding economic activity.
More consumption means:
- More factories running
- More businesses operating
- More homes connected
- More digital infrastructure powered
Electricity demand tells a story. And Cambodia’s story is one of growth, urbanization, and industrial acceleration.
When energy use increases alongside capacity, it signals momentum—not inefficiency.
Renewable Energy In Cambodia: Now 63.23 Percent Of Total Capacity
Here’s where things get truly impressive.
Speaking at the annual review meeting on February 12, EAC Chairman H.E. Yim Viseth revealed that renewable energy accounted for 63.23 percent of total installed power capacity in 2025, contributing 3,325 MW to the national grid.
That’s nearly two-thirds of Cambodia’s electricity capacity coming from clean sources.
In a world racing to decarbonize, this figure stands out.
While many countries struggle to reduce fossil fuel dependence, Cambodia has already tipped the balance toward renewables.
And that shift isn’t accidental—it’s strategic.
Cambodia’s Energy Mix: Hydropower, Solar, Biomass And Beyond
So where does Cambodia’s electricity come from?
The country generates power from a diverse portfolio:
- Hydroelectric dams
- Solar power plants
- Biomass facilities
- Coal-fired power plants
- Diesel-fired generators
Hydropower has long been a cornerstone of Cambodia’s renewable energy strategy. Rivers have powered development for years. But solar energy is increasingly gaining ground, reflecting global cost declines and technological advances.
Biomass, meanwhile, leverages agricultural byproducts—turning waste into watts.
Coal and diesel still play roles in the energy mix, particularly for grid stability and peak demand support. But the growing share of renewables shows a clear directional shift.
Cambodia isn’t abandoning conventional energy overnight. Instead, it’s recalibrating its balance—gradually but decisively.
Rural Electrification Milestone: 99.1 Percent Of Villages Connected
Energy growth isn’t just about megawatts. It’s about people.
By the end of 2025, 99.1 percent of villages nationwide had access to electricity, and approximately 96 percent of households were connected to the national grid.
That’s transformative.
A decade ago, rural electrification was still an uphill battle. Today, near-universal village access means children can study after sunset, small businesses can operate machinery, and healthcare centers can refrigerate medicine.
Electricity isn’t a luxury. It’s infrastructure for opportunity.
When the lights turn on in remote villages, economic participation expands.
Clean Energy Target 2030: Reaching 70 Percent Renewable Capacity
The Royal Government of Cambodia has set a bold goal: increase clean energy generation capacity to 70 percent by 2030.
From 63.23 percent in 2025 to 70 percent within five years—that’s ambitious but achievable.
Why 70 percent?
Because global markets increasingly reward sustainability. Investors look at carbon intensity. Export markets assess environmental credentials. Multinational corporations prioritize green supply chains.
A higher renewable share doesn’t just reduce emissions—it enhances competitiveness.
It tells the world that Cambodia is serious about sustainable growth.
Cambodia Among ASEAN Leaders In Clean Energy Penetration
According to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Cambodia’s renewable share places it ahead of regional benchmarks and among ASEAN’s leading countries in clean energy penetration.
That’s no small feat.
ASEAN economies vary widely in energy profiles, with some heavily dependent on coal and natural gas. Cambodia’s rapid renewable integration positions it as a regional outlier—in a positive way.
Leadership in clean energy strengthens diplomatic standing, investment appeal, and long-term resilience.
In a region grappling with climate vulnerability, renewable leadership isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.
Why Renewable Energy Growth Matters For Investors
Let’s shift perspective.
If you’re an investor, what do these numbers signal?
They suggest stability.
A diversified energy mix reduces supply shocks. A growing renewable base lowers exposure to global fuel price volatility. Expanding capacity supports industrial growth.
Investors crave predictability. Energy security underpins that predictability.
Cambodia’s trajectory—expanding capacity while increasing renewable share—checks both boxes.
Balancing Growth And Sustainability
There’s always a balancing act in energy policy.
Economic growth demands reliable power. Sustainability demands reduced emissions.
Cambodia’s current path shows that these goals aren’t mutually exclusive.
By investing in renewables while maintaining a diversified generation portfolio, the country strengthens grid reliability without locking itself into a high-carbon future.
It’s not about flipping a single switch. It’s about calibrating multiple levers.
The Role Of Solar Power In Cambodia’s Energy Future
Solar energy deserves special attention.
As technology costs fall and efficiency improves, solar installations become more attractive. Cambodia’s geographic location offers strong solar irradiation, making it well-positioned to scale further.
Solar farms can be deployed faster than large hydropower projects. They require less environmental disruption. And they integrate well with battery storage systems as technology evolves.
If Cambodia aims to reach 70 percent renewable capacity by 2030, solar will likely play a central role.
Challenges Ahead: Grid Stability And Demand Growth
No energy story is without challenges.
As renewable penetration increases, grid stability becomes more complex. Solar and hydro generation can fluctuate with weather conditions. Balancing intermittent supply with consistent demand requires careful planning.
At the same time, electricity demand continues rising. Industrial expansion, electric vehicles, digital infrastructure, and urbanization will all push consumption higher.
The challenge isn’t just producing more power—it’s producing smarter power.
Cambodia’s Energy Future: More Than Numbers
So what does 5,932 MW really mean?
It means Cambodia is preparing for the future.
It means industries can expand without fearing blackouts.
It means rural communities gain equal access to opportunity.
It means renewable energy isn’t a side project—it’s a core strategy.
Energy policy may seem technical, but at its heart, it’s deeply human.
It determines whether factories operate, whether hospitals function smoothly, whether students can study at night, whether entrepreneurs can build new ventures.
And Cambodia is making sure that the power keeps flowing.
A Nation Energized For Growth
From a 14.4 percent increase in installed capacity to a renewable share exceeding 63 percent, 2025 marks a pivotal year for Cambodia’s energy transformation.
The trajectory is clear: expand capacity, strengthen sustainability, extend access, and position the country as a clean energy leader in ASEAN.
Energy is often invisible—until it’s missing. Cambodia’s strategy ensures it remains abundant, reliable, and increasingly green.
And if the 2030 target of 70 percent clean energy is reached, the Kingdom won’t just be keeping the lights on.
It will be lighting the way forward.
FAQ
Cambodia’s total installed power capacity has reached 5,932 megawatts (MW), marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy development.
Renewable energy sources — particularly hydropower and solar — account for a large and growing share of Cambodia’s electricity generation capacity.
Renewable energy reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, enhances energy security, lowers carbon emissions, and supports Cambodia’s long-term sustainability goals.
Expanded power capacity improves electricity reliability, supports industrial growth, attracts foreign investment, and strengthens Cambodia’s manufacturing and services sectors.
Yes. Cambodia continues to prioritize clean energy expansion through solar projects, grid upgrades, and policies aimed at increasing renewable energy integration.
While smaller in total capacity compared to larger ASEAN economies, Cambodia has made notable progress in renewable energy adoption relative to its market size and development stage.