Cambodia’s Energy Sources to Depend on Cleaner Fossil Fuels in Future: Mines Minister

• 2 July 2021
• Local News
• 1647 Views

Cambodia’s energy sources will still depend on fossil fuel in the future to ensure power security and economic growth but will utilise more advanced technology for cleaner usage.

Speaking at the First Asia CCUS Network Forum held recently, Minister of Mines and Energy HE Suy Sem said that in 2020, Cambodia’s primary energy supply consists of 60% from fossil fuels such as coal and oil, and 40% renewables from hydropower, solar and biomass.

“Cambodia realises that our energy system will continue to depend on fossil fuel use in the foreseeable future. Thus, it is very important to ensure that these fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas will be used in a cleaner manner,” HE Suy Sem said.

“Until now Cambodia’s energy mix was based on conventional sources such coal and hydro. However, looking forward till 2040, a wide range of technologies are available, especially the liquefied natural gas and renewable energy, which will play crucial roles in our energy mix,” he added.

In 2020, Cambodia’s economy saw a contraction in economic growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many factories and businesses in the tourism sector have closed their operation, which has also seen demand for electricity drop by 20% compared to 2019.

• Energy and Environment