The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $52.72 million loan for Cambodia’s Grid Expansion Project, aimed at strengthening the country’s transmission network to integrate more renewable energy into the national grid. The initiative seeks to meet rising electricity demand with cleaner, locally generated power while enhancing energy reliability and resilience.
Cambodia has rapidly expanded its domestic electricity generation, doubling output from 8.68 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2020 to 17.85 TWh in 2024. Over the same period, reliance on imported electricity decreased from 3.06 to 1.57 TWh, reflecting the country’s growing energy self-sufficiency and the potential of renewable energy to support its development goals.
ADB Country Director for Cambodia, Jyotsana Varma, emphasized that the project goes beyond building transmission lines. It aims to connect communities, schools, hospitals, and businesses to a cleaner and more resilient energy future, bringing more renewable energy into the grid while protecting the environment for future generations.
Cambodia’s existing grid, originally designed for conventional power, requires expansion to accommodate increasing solar and wind capacity. The project will construct 55 kilometers of 230-kilovolt transmission lines between Pursat and Kampong Chhnang and upgrade nine substations nationwide. These investments will strengthen transmission capacity, improve reliability, and encourage private sector participation in renewable energy development.
Aligned with Cambodia’s Power Development Master Plan (2022–2040) and National Energy Efficiency Policy (2022–2030), the Grid Expansion Project is expected to reduce transmission losses and enhance overall energy security.
ADB, founded in 1966 and owned by 69 members including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region, is a leading multilateral development bank. It supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific, leveraging innovative financial tools and partnerships to build infrastructure, transform lives, and safeguard the environment.
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