Royal Group Launches 900MW Natural Gas Power Plant. Worth USD1.34bn, in Koh Kong

• Sommana Yan
• 18 October 2024
• Local News
• 4361 Views

Royal Group Power, a division of the prominent Royal Group led by Neak Oknha Kith Meng, has officially commenced construction on a 900-megawatt natural gas power plant in Botum Sakor district, Koh Kong province.

The USD 1.34 billion investment was celebrated during a groundbreaking ceremony on 16 October 2024, attended by high-ranking officials, including HE Keo Rattanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, Neak Oknha Kith Meng, and HE Mithona Phuthong, Governor of Koh Kong Province.

The state-of-the-art facility will feature two 450-megawatt turbines, with plans to commission the first turbine by April 2027, followed by the second in December 2027. Enhancing Cambodia’s energy infrastructure, the project will also include a dedicated port for receiving liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments with a 185,000-cubic-metre capacity, a storage tank for 200,000 cubic meters of LNG, and a 230kV transmission line spanning 36 kilometers.

Speaking at the event, Pianka Thomas Joseph, CEO of Royal Group Power, highlighted the significance of the country’s largest natural gas-fired power plant, stating, “The 900MW LNG power plant, worth USD 1,34 billion will not only boost the stability, reliability, and resilience of Cambodia’s electricity network but also support the goal of increasing clean energy’s share to 70% by 2030.”

HE Keo Rattanak commended Royal Group’s ambitious investment, marking this as Cambodia’s first and largest natural gas power project, succeeding the historic 400-megawatt Lower Sesan 2 hydropower plant, the country’s premier source of clean energy.

He emphasized, “This plant will play a crucial role in stabilizing Cambodia’s electricity supply and enhancing its appeal as a destination for new investment, especially in the green industry.”

Initially, Royal Group secured approval for a 700-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Botum Sakor District. However, moving towards a more sustainable future, the company opted to pivot to natural gas, demonstrating its commitment to cleaner energy solutions.

• Energy and Environment