Expansion of the national electricity network in Cambodia’s rural provinces

Cambodia is one of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Southeast Asia, but enjoys strong growth. It faces major challenges in developing its capacity for electricity generation, transmission and distribution. 

The needs are significant in a country where less than half of households, mostly located in urban areas, have access to electricity and the rates are some of the highest in the world. Therefore, the government has set ambitious targets for electricity access: Connect 100% of villages in Cambodia to the national network by 2020 and 90% of households by 2030.

This project aims to support Cambodia’s economic and social development by increasing access to electricity. It focuses on three provinces: Kampong Cham, Kratie and Koh Kong. 

The plan aims to achieve: 165 km of high-voltage lines (HV) connected to the Cambodian power network, five transformer stations and 225 km of medium-voltage lines. These lines are used for electricity distribution from the HV network to target areas: cities, villages, industrial zones and agro-industrial projects.

The investment is financed by a loan, which will be accompanied by an EDC capacity-building programme funded by the Asian Investment Facility, covering both technical and business management aspects.

This project will connect the areas that are currently not served or poorly served by the electricity network. It will ensure access to reliable and more affordable energy for about 53,000 households, or about 165,000 people. 

The project will also connect to the network of Special Economic Zones in Koh Kong province, as well as the agro-industrial development zones. It will have a significant impact on economic activities in the areas, as well enhancing individual well-being and improving the living circumstances of households.