Cambodia is accelerating its clean energy transition with a target of sourcing at least 70% of domestic installed power capacity from renewable energy by 2030, as the country expands solar generation, battery storage and pumped storage capacity. The strategy is being positioned not only as a climate measure but also as part of Cambodia’s effort to strengthen energy security, reduce exposure to fuel price volatility and support future industrial growth.
Speaking in a recorded video at Clean Energy Week 2026, Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak said renewable sources already account for more than 63% of Cambodia’s domestic installed power capacity, led by hydropower and solar.
Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 2030 target | At least 70% renewable energy |
| Current renewable share | More than 63% of domestic installed capacity |
| Leading renewable sources | Hydropower and solar |
| Solar capacity in one cluster | More than 1,100 MW expected by end of 2026 |
| Battery storage | 500 MW planned alongside the solar cluster |
| ADB backed battery project | 250 MW / 500 MWh |
| Battery project location | Kampong Chhnang province |
| Pumped storage project | 1,000 MW Upper Tatay Pumped Storage |
| Event | Clean Energy Week 2026 |
Cambodia Moves Beyond Renewable Generation
Cambodia's renewable energy strategy is increasingly focused not only on adding generation capacity but also on ensuring that electricity remains reliable when renewable output fluctuates.
Rottanak said Cambodian companies are on course to deliver more than 1,100 MW of solar capacity in a single cluster by the end of 2026, accompanied by 500 MW of battery storage.
The combination is intended to provide greater flexibility and help manage variations in renewable electricity generation.
The Asian Development Bank has also approved financing for a 250 MW / 500 MWh battery storage system in Kampong Chhnang province.
At the same time, construction has begun on the 1,000 MW Upper Tatay Pumped Storage project, adding another form of energy storage to Cambodia's electricity system.
Why Energy Storage Matters
Solar and other renewable sources can generate large amounts of electricity, but their output can vary depending on weather and time of day.
Energy storage provides a way to retain electricity and make it available when it is needed.
For Cambodia, expanding both battery and pumped storage capacity could therefore support the country's plan to increase the renewable share while maintaining a reliable electricity supply.
Rottanak said:
“Together, more renewable generation and the storage to firm it will help Cambodia reach at least 70% renewable energy by 2030 while keeping supply reliable.”
The minister's statement links the country's renewable energy target directly with investments in electricity system flexibility.
Clean Energy Becomes an Industrial Strategy
The Ministry of Mines and Energy is also presenting the energy transition as an economic strategy.
As global businesses increasingly examine the electricity used throughout their operations and supply chains, the reliability, cost and carbon intensity of power can influence investment and production decisions.
Rottanak said cleaner and more reliable electricity could create broader industrial opportunities for Cambodia.
“As reliable, cleaner electricity reaches further into the economy, it can create a wider industrial opportunity.”
This is particularly relevant as Cambodia seeks to diversify its manufacturing base and attract higher value industries.
A stronger supply of renewable electricity could become part of the country's proposition for companies looking to reduce the carbon intensity of their operations and supply chains.
Renewable Energy Already Accounts for More Than 63%
Cambodia has already made significant progress toward its 2030 target.
Renewable energy sources currently represent more than 63% of domestic installed power capacity, according to Rottanak, with hydropower and solar accounting for the largest shares.
Moving from more than 63% to at least 70% means Cambodia must continue adding renewable capacity while also strengthening the infrastructure needed to integrate it reliably.
The planned combination of large scale solar and energy storage represents one part of that transition.
Australia Supports Cambodia's Clean Energy Transition
Australia has been a founding sponsor of Clean Energy Week since its launch in 2018, supporting Cambodia's efforts toward a more sustainable, reliable and resilient energy system.
Australian Ambassador Derek Yip said Australia is working with the Cambodian government, industry and development partners in areas including energy planning, green finance and pathways to careers in the clean energy sector.
“Cambodia has the opportunity to be a beacon for renewable energy – and clean energy could be key to a more secure, resilient future,” he said at the summit.
The cooperation places energy transition alongside financing, workforce development and private sector participation.
Clean Energy and Cambodia's Economic Future
The country's clean energy strategy comes as Cambodia seeks to develop new economic sectors and reduce vulnerabilities associated with energy costs.
Greater renewable generation could help reduce dependence on fossil fuel based electricity while providing a foundation for industries that increasingly consider emissions and energy sourcing when making investment decisions.
The government's approach also indicates that energy storage will be an increasingly important part of the country's electricity planning.
Solar generation, battery systems and pumped storage can work together to provide both additional renewable capacity and greater flexibility across the power system.
Angkor Times Analysis
Cambodia's 70% renewable energy target is not simply a capacity expansion target. The projects announced and discussed alongside it show an increasing emphasis on system flexibility and reliability.
The combination of more than 1,100 MW of solar in a single cluster with 500 MW of battery storage, together with the 250 MW / 500 MWh Kampong Chhnang battery project and 1,000 MW Upper Tatay Pumped Storage project, demonstrates the importance of storage in supporting the country's renewable energy ambitions.
The economic dimension is equally important. If Cambodia can provide reliable and increasingly cleaner electricity, it could strengthen the country's position in attracting manufacturers and other businesses that are paying greater attention to energy costs and carbon intensity.
The key issue through 2030 will be how effectively new renewable generation, storage and electricity infrastructure are integrated while maintaining reliable supply.
What Happens Next?
Cambodia will need continued investment in renewable generation, battery storage, pumped storage and related electricity infrastructure to move from its current renewable installed capacity share of more than 63% to the at least 70% target by 2030.
The development of the solar cluster, Kampong Chhnang battery system and Upper Tatay Pumped Storage project will be important elements of that process.
At the same time, cooperation with international partners such as Australia and the Asian Development Bank is supporting areas including energy planning, financing and skills development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cambodia's renewable energy target for 2030?
Cambodia aims to have at least 70% of its domestic installed power capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030, according to Minister Keo Rottanak.
What percentage of installed power is currently renewable?
More than 63% of Cambodia's domestic installed power capacity already comes from renewable sources, led by hydropower and solar.
What solar capacity is planned for 2026?
Cambodian companies are expected to deliver more than 1,100 MW of solar capacity in a single cluster by the end of 2026, according to the minister.
Why is Cambodia expanding battery storage?
Battery storage can provide flexibility and help support reliable electricity supply as the share of variable renewable generation increases.
How large is the Kampong Chhnang battery project?
The Asian Development Bank has approved financing for a 250 MW / 500 MWh battery storage system in Kampong Chhnang province.
What is the Upper Tatay Pumped Storage project?
It is a 1,000 MW pumped storage project that has entered construction and is expected to contribute additional flexibility to Cambodia's electricity system.
Why is renewable energy important for industry?
The Ministry of Mines and Energy says investors and international buyers are increasingly examining electricity reliability, cost and carbon intensity across their operations and supply chains.