Securing access to reliable,
cheap electricity to supply Cambodia’s expanding economy is a key challenge faced by the Cambodian Government.
Around only 20% of the population presently has access to reliable electricity – mainly in urban centers - and prices are amongst the highest in the world.
The comparatively flat topography of Cambodia means that domestic hydropower potential is relatively limited, although the Government is keen to develop the sites that are available. Experience in neighboring countries and globally, however, has demonstrated that large hydropower projects can incur significant environmental and social costs that risk undermining sustainable development. Any decision to move forward with a large hydropower project therefore warrants due consideration from decision-makers, affected communities and the wider public.