Energy mix

At the turnoff of Sihanoukville outside Phnom Penhmetal shop owner Kuch Sareun watches the sparks fly as his emplyees join pieces of steel. This year, he installed a diesel-run generator at his business since the frequent electricity outages were hurting his bottom line. … Electricity is a sore point for many in Cambodia-due to the power grid’s instability and its costs. Right now, less than 30 percent of the country is electrified-one of the lowest rates in Southeast Asia-and most power comes from burning expensive diesel or from imports. … In response to this, the government is actively promoting investment in big hydropower and coal-fired power plants. By 2020, the plan is to have 18 hydroelectric and coal plants in operation. … While the prospect of a stable, cheaper electricity supply pleases many, especially in the industrial sector, NGOs worry that local populations and the environment near these large-scale projects will end up paying a high price. They favor a more in a decentralized energy system featuring renewable sources of power like solar and biomass gasifiers. …