Phnom Penh, 13 June 2023 – Today, H.E. Suy Sem, Minister of Mines and Energy presided the High-level Forum on the Principles for Permitting the Use of Rooftop Solar Power in Cambodia. The new Prakas (Ministerial Regulation) was presented; it will abrogate any previous Prakas, decisions and provisions on the subject.

The country has been a fast mover in embracing renewable energy, increasing electricity generation from renewable sources from a 10 MW pilot in 2017 to 436.8 MW by the end of 2022. The Power Development Masterplan explores the possibility to reach a total of 1,005 MW by 2030, and 3,155 MW by 2040. 

In her opening remarks, Ms. Alissar Chaker, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasized that “Energy is one of the main drivers of economic growth because many production and consumption activities rely on energy as basic input. Cambodia has now a unique opportunity to redefine its drivers of economic growth through promoting greener and more sustainable production and consumption, greening its value chains, and boosting the overall economic competitiveness of Cambodian exports in global markets. Rooftop solar power will play a crucial role in achieving the Kingdom’s growth ambitions and its carbon neutrality milestones by 2030 and beyond”. She further added that “UNDP is privileged to have supported the Ministry of Mines and Energy in developing this ministerial regulation on rooftop solar photovoltaics and I thank the Royal Government for its trust”.

H.E. Suy Sem, Minister of Mines and Energy, affirmed that “Energy sector in Cambodia, not only has the role to meet the growing demand of energy by ensuring that energy supply is sufficient, reliable, and affordable to support its economic growth and social livelihoods, but also to achieve development that is more sustainable by using clean renewable energy. Increased use of renewable energy will also contribute to the achievement of environmental goal and global commitment of Cambodia to reduce greenhouse gases emission”. Further, H.E. emphasized that “Principles for permitting the use of Rooftop Solar Power in Cambodia” will provide more clarity on the use of rooftop solar power of electricity consumers. When the “Principles for permitting the use of Rooftop Solar Power in Cambodia” is adopted, electricity consumers who have obligation to use rooftop solar power to fulfill environmental and climate change commitments will have priority in receiving quota for installation and own use of rooftop solar power in a framework ensuring technical and safety standards are adhered, ensuring economic effectiveness, and electricity price that has fairness among all parties including rooftop solar developers. The “Principles for permitting the use of Rooftop Solar Power in Cambodia” will play important role in realizing the obligations of Cambodia in greenhouse gas emission reduction under the Paris Agreement as stated in the Cambodia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Ministry of Mines and Energy hopes that the adoption of the “Principles for permitting the use of Rooftop Solar Power in Cambodia” will accelerate the development of rooftop solar power by resolving the existing challenges.

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For media inquiries, contact:

Ms. Petra Pontier, Communications Focal Point, UNDP Cambodia, at communications.kh@undp.org

UNDP works in 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain lasting progress that works for both people and the planet. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at https://www.kh.undp.org/ or follow us at @UNDPCambodia. Learn more at https://www.kh.undp.org/ or follow us at @UNDPCambodia.