ADB to Help Build 100-MW Solar Park in Cambodia

• 25 May 2019
• Local News
• 1491 Views

The Asia Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$7.64 million loan to support the construction of a 100-megawatt (MW) solar power park in Kampong Chhnang province, for which the government has opened bidding for investment.

The loan will help the country develop renewable energy resources, diversify its energy mix, and improve the competitiveness of its economy, according to ADB in a press release dated 24 May.

The National Solar Park Project will enable EDC to construct a 100-MW capacity solar power park and other related facilities, including access roads, fencing, and drainage systems, in Kampong Chhnang province.

The project will also build a transmission system connecting to the main grid near Phnom Penh, which will allow the project to supply power to the national grid.

ADB principal climate change specialist Mr Pradeep Tharakan said having reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy sources is crucial for the economic development of a rapidly expanding country such as Cambodia.

“ADB’s assistance will not only help diversify Cambodia’s energy mix through solar power development, but also help the country meet its greenhouse gas emissions reductions target, as per the Paris climate agreement,” Mr Pradeep Tharakan said.

Mr Yim Viseth chairman of the Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC), said that the processing of bidding for 100-megawatt solar investment has not yet come to an end.

“It is still in the stage of receiving investment applications after EDC announced the public bidding and once finished, EDC will announce publicly the bidding result soon,” explained Mr Yim Viseth.

In addition to the ADB loan, the financing package for the National Solar Park Project includes a US$11 million loan and a US$3 million grant from the Strategic Climate Fund, specifically through the Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program.

It also includes a US$500,000 technical assistance grant provided by the Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund to support the capacity development of Electricite du Cambodge (EDC), and the Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC).

Cambodia has a number of operating solar farms. The 10-megawatt solar farm in Bavet city, Svay Rieng province and an 80-megawatt solar park in Kompong Speu province, which currently generates 20 megawatt with a further 60 megawatts scheduled to come online in late 2019.

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