The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) hosted an Energy Forum to present Cambodia’s recently approved Power Development Masterplan (PDP) and National Energy Efficiency Policy (NEEP).
The PDP is Cambodia’s first long-term plan for its power sector, comprising a broad range of scenarios for a 20-year planning period covering electricity demand growth, the expansion of power generation sources, and the development of the transmission and distribution network, said ADB in a press release AKP received this morning.
The NEEP is Cambodia’s first dedicated policy on energy efficiency and establishes the enabling framework for future developments in this area, pointed out the source, adding that the NEEP sets an ambitious national target for the reduction of energy consumption of at least 19 percent by 2030 in relation to a scenario without energy efficiency. The NEEP also identifies measures and instruments that the Government will prioritise and develop to support a wider adoption of energy efficiency.
According to the press release, ADB provided technical assistance in developing the PDP and the NEEP. The Forum served as a platform for discussions among different partners on opportunities to support Cambodia implementing the provisions laid out in the NEEP.
The Forum was attended by representatives of national government institutions, international development organisations, nongovernment organisations (NGOs), and the private sector. Approximately 80 officials attended the event, which was held at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra Hotel on Mar. 16, 2023.
The Forum was opened by H.E. Suy Sem, Minister of Mines and Energy, who emphasised the significance of these policies to drive Cambodia’s energy transition and meet international commitments under the Paris Agreement. He said Cambodia is committed to maximising the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency, which will also support the government’s efforts to provide energy in a reliable, stable, and affordable manner.
Ms. Jyotsana Varma, ADB’s Country Director in Cambodia, applauded the country’s efforts in shifting to cleaner forms of energy and reiterated ADB’s support to this transition through a combination of policy support and project investments. ADB’s ongoing projects support the reinforcement of the national power grid, expansion of solar PV through public private partnerships, and acceleration of the adoption of emerging technologies such as battery storage systems.
