The sixth celebration of the Cambodia’s Clean Energy Week 2023, which ran from November 16 to 23, showcased the innovation and clean energy successes which are driving the progress of the Kingdom’s emissions reduction goals, said a December 2 joint press release from the event’s participants. 

Many events were held, with the participation of several government institutions and development partners, and lessons learned throughout the week will continue to be used to drive clean energy progress in the country.

The activities were also an opportunity to share knowledge and best practices in the field of clean energy from relevant partners who are working closely on Cambodia’s green transformation.

“Clean Energy Week began by focusing on the role that clean energy must play in providing energy security for Cambodia. Solar and wind have great potential for Cambodia and can reduce the import of fossil fuels and electricity from abroad,” said the release.

“Recent investment in clean energy should reduce the need for fossil fuels. Without it, Cambodia may continue to rely on the international fossil fuel market for the next decade,” it added.

Through 22 events held throughout the week, leaders, specialists and entrepreneurs in the field of clean energy participated in publicising the theme of Cambodia Clean Energy Week 2023: “Energy Security and the Future of Clean Energy of Cambodia”.

Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rattanak said in a statement that Cambodia is embracing clean energy in order to promote sustainable economic growth and strengthen energy security.

“We are incorporating the CARE principles into our strategy, which means our energy development will be clean, affordable, reliable and equitable. This approach is key to ensuring a holistic view of common energy that contributes to the development of our nation, protects our environment and enhances the lives of our people,” he added.

Natharoun Ngo Son, country director of EnergyLab Cambodia, said the Kingdom should fully capture the potential of solar energy before it is too late. 

“Cambodia has the ability and many opportunities to reduce carbon emissions from its power grid, as well as achieve economic goals and improve the country’s energy security,” he explained.

Justin Whyatt, Australian ambassador to Cambodia, believed the week was remarkably successful. 

“We invited policy makers and experts to share their knowledge and experience. Together as a whole, we are supporting Cambodia in providing a clean, affordable energy network, secure network and achieving its climate goals,” he said.

New Zealand ambassador to Cambodia Jonathan Kings explained that New Zealand was proud to support Cambodia’s Clean Energy Week this year, saying the event was fruitful and successful in raising awareness about energy security and clean energy ambitions in Cambodia.

“An important challenge to note is that the skills of the workforce working in the energy sector are still limited. One programme run during the week under the theme ‘Skills for Energy Transition’ presented opportunities for Cambodia, providing valuable insights for the country’s human resource development in the energy sector,” he added.

Alissar Chaker, UNDP representative in Cambodia, said the events held reaffirmed that energy transitions and development should be a priority.

“Even as we celebrate this successful event, we should remember that we must continue our efforts to accelerate Cambodia’s energy transition,” she added.

The week saw thousands of people participating in programmes that were open to the public, including a Run for Clean Energy, a Clean Energy Week exhibition and a clean energy documentary screening. 

These events gave the public the opportunity to experience first-hand the technologies that will drive Cambodia’s clean energy development, claimed the joint release.