Cambodia plans to increase its clean energy imports by more than 50%, including solar, securing over 600 MW from Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Cambodian Energy Minister Keo Rottanak told spoke to Reuters, explaining that the move is part of the country’s broader effort to diversify its energy mix with renewable sources.
Starting in 2026, Cambodia will import 300 MW of solar and hydroelectric power from Laos. The nation is also close to finalising a deal to almost double its current 300 MW energy imports from Vietnam and is exploring an additional 100 MW from Thailand.
“We just signed last week more than 300 MW combined hydro and solar with Laos. So this is going to come to Cambodia in 2026,” Rottanak said in an interview during the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW).
Cambodia already has agreements to import 1,030 MW from its neighbours, accounting for nearly 25% of its total energy supply, according to the US International Trade Administration.
Rottanak expects to secure another 200 MW from Vietnam and further potential energy from Thailand.
Cambodia and Vietnam’s national utilities have completed discussions, and the import deal is awaiting final government approval.
Rottanak noted that these energy imports would enhance regional energy connectivity and offer flexibility in dealing with disruptions to hydropower caused by increasingly erratic weather.
While the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has aimed to establish a regional power grid for decades, progress has been slow, with most deals remaining bilateral. However, Rottanak expressed optimism that a regional grid could become a reality by 2035.
