The World Bank has approved a USD115 million financing package to strengthen Cambodia’s electricity system, expand clean energy solutions and support sustainable economic growth. The package comprises a USD110 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a USD5 million grant from the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The financing will support the country’s Sustainable Energy Transition Project, which aims to improve energy reliability, enhance energy efficiency and accelerate Cambodia’s transition to a cleaner power sector.
The project will benefit electricity consumers, government agencies, industrial users, renewable energy developers and suppliers of energy-efficient technologies. It will focus on strengthening the national power grid, improving the reliability, affordability and resilience of electricity supply, and encouraging greater adoption of energy-efficient solutions. The initiative is being implemented as Phase 7 of the Accelerating Sustainable Energy Transition Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) for East Asia and the Pacific, supporting broader regional efforts to expand clean and resilient energy systems.
With electricity access now reaching nearly all households, Cambodia is shifting its focus from expanding access to improving the quality and sustainability of power supply. The project is expected to reduce exposure to global energy market volatility, strengthen industrial competitiveness, encourage private investment in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, and create skilled employment opportunities. The initiative also supports Cambodia’s CARE energy strategy, which prioritises clean, affordable, reliable and equitable energy to support long-term economic development.