Authorities in Preah Sihanouk province are strengthening environmental oversight of a 235 megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant operated by Cambodian Energy Limited (CEL & CEL II), with a focus on compliance, environmental monitoring and community concerns.
The review was conducted on Friday under the leadership of Sihanoukville Deputy Governor Long Dimanche at a meeting assessing implementation of the plant’s environmental management plan.
The facility is located in Kampenh commune, Stung Hav district.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Power plant | Cambodian Energy Limited (CEL & CEL II) |
| Capacity | 235 MW |
| Fuel | Coal |
| Location | Kampenh commune, Stung Hav district, Preah Sihanouk province |
| Operations began | 2013 |
| Environmental review | October 2026 |
| Monitoring areas | Air, seawater, groundwater, noise, vibration and liquid waste |
| Reporting requirement | Environmental assessment reports every six months |
| Additional study | Aquatic resources and fishery production |
Authorities review environmental compliance
The review focused on the company’s implementation of environmental protection commitments, including requirements to conduct regular monitoring and prepare environmental assessment reports every six months.
Authorities examined several environmental indicators, including:
Air quality
Seawater and groundwater quality
Noise levels
Vibration levels
Liquid waste discharged from the plant
Concerns raised by surrounding communities
Following the company’s presentation on project progress, Long Dimanche commended its environmental management efforts and encouraged continued compliance with requirements set by the Ministry of Environment.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that can benefit local communities while supporting responsible business operations.
Further studies ordered on aquatic resources
The deputy governor instructed the company and project consultants to conduct deeper studies into the quality of aquatic resources and fishery production in surrounding areas.
The additional monitoring is intended to support environmental protection, address community concerns and contribute to sustainable development in the area.
The move highlights the provincial administration’s effort to maintain oversight of environmental impacts while allowing the power facility to continue supporting the local economy.
235 MW plant supports electricity supply
The coal-fired power plant has contributed to Cambodia’s electricity supply since beginning operations in 2013.
With generation capacity of up to 235 MW, the facility provides electricity for demand in Sihanoukville and other areas, supporting households, businesses and industrial activities that depend on a stable power supply.
Reliable electricity is particularly important for Sihanoukville as the province continues to develop as an economic, tourism and industrial centre.
Stable power supplies can help businesses maintain operations and support industrial production, making energy infrastructure an important part of the broader investment environment.
Balancing energy needs with environmental protection
The latest review reflects the need to balance reliable electricity supply and industrial development with environmental protection and community interests.
Regular monitoring of air, water, waste, noise and other environmental indicators provides authorities with information to assess compliance and respond to potential concerns.
As Cambodia’s electricity demand grows alongside economic and industrial activity, maintaining reliable energy infrastructure while strengthening environmental management will remain important to supporting long-term investment and sustainable development.
Angkor Times Analysis
The environmental review illustrates the dual challenge facing Sihanoukville: maintaining sufficient energy infrastructure for economic and industrial activity while ensuring major facilities meet environmental obligations.
The 235 MW plant provides electricity that supports households, businesses and industrial users, but the provincial administration’s decision to deepen monitoring of aquatic resources and fisheries shows that energy infrastructure must also be assessed in the context of surrounding communities and natural resources.
For investors and businesses, reliable electricity is important, but increasingly, environmental compliance and responsible operations are also part of the conditions for sustainable industrial development.
FAQs
Where is the 235 MW coal-fired power plant located?
It is located in Kampenh commune, Stung Hav district, Preah Sihanouk province.
Who operates the power plant?
The facility is operated by Cambodian Energy Limited (CEL & CEL II).
When did the plant begin operations?
The plant began operations in 2013.
What environmental issues are being monitored?
Authorities are reviewing air quality, seawater and groundwater quality, noise, vibration and liquid waste, along with concerns raised by local communities.
What additional monitoring has been requested?
The company and project consultants have been instructed to conduct deeper studies on aquatic resource quality and fishery production in surrounding areas.