Work has begun on the $10 million Phase I solar power plant in Kampong Speu province of Cambodia. A joint venture (JV), comprising Cambodian, Thai and Lao investors, have announced plans to invest USD 400 million in solar power projects to produce about 225 MW for businesses, factories and industrial zones in Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang and Takeo provinces.
Cambodia aims to provide power to all 14,168 villages across the country by 2020. By the end of June, about 79 per cent of the villages had power. Currently, the country imports most of its electricity from Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Cambodia has been using solar power for public lighting in many cities and provinces, such as Preah Sihanouk and Kampot.