PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on Thursday that Cambodia has decided against constructing dams on the Mekong River, citing concerns about the substantial environmental impact on the river and the Tonle Sap Lake.
The decision comes in the wake of criticism over deforestation, including protected areas, for various projects such as rubber and sugar cane plantations and hydropower dams.
During a groundbreaking ceremony for a hydropower dam in the coastal province of Koh Kong, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the detrimental effects of building dams on the Mekong’s mainstream. The Tonle Sap lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, is a vital source of fish for Cambodians, and the prime minister acknowledged the potential harm to the environment and ecology of both the river and the lake.
In a significant move, Prime Minister Hun Manet officially announced the cancellation of a $1.5 billion, 700-megawatt coal plant project in the protected Botum Sakor park in Koh Kong. The decision reflects Cambodia’s commitment to environmental responsibility and addressing climate concerns. The cancelled Botum Sakor plant, initially set to be operational around 2025, may be replaced by a project involving the importation of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia’s stance against developing new coal power plants, aligning with the country’s commitment to global environmental and climate efforts. The prime minister highlighted that renewable energy already constitutes 60 percent of Cambodia’s energy sources. He outlined a vision for Cambodia to achieve a 70 percent renewable energy mix by 2030, positioning the country as a clean energy destination for tourism and investment.
Cambodia’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner energy aligns with its roadmap published in December 2021, outlining the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The roadmap emphasizes boosting renewables, with a focus on hydropower, and includes investments in LNG import, storage, and infrastructure. As of 2022, coal accounted for 35.5 percent of Cambodia’s electricity generation, with hydropower contributing nearly 54 percent.
