Cambodia's Stung Pursat 1 Hydropower Project, an 80 megawatt (MW) multipurpose development in Veal Veng district, Pursat province, has reached more than 50 percent water storage progress and is preparing for temporary power generation by the end of October 2026, according to Pursat provincial authorities.
The project, which represents an estimated US$231 million investment, is being developed by SPHP (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. in cooperation with international technical partner POWERCHINA.
Key Facts
Stung Pursat 1 is an 80 MW hydropower project in Veal Veng district, Pursat province.
Estimated investment is approximately US$231 million.
Construction began in late 2022.
Water gates were officially closed on June 4, 2026.
Water storage exceeded 50 percent by September 30, 2026.
Temporary electricity generation is targeted for late October 2026.
Official national-grid operation is planned for the end of 2026.
Expected annual electricity production is approximately 369 GWh.
The project is expected to support irrigation for more than 20,000 hectares of agricultural land.
Reported additional benefits include flood management, tourism development, roads and employment.
Water Storage Passes 50%
According to Pursat Governor Khoy Rida, water storage at the Stung Pursat 1 reservoir had exceeded 50 percent as of September 30, 2026.
The project officially closed its water gates on June 4, 2026, beginning the process of storing water in preparation for electricity generation.
Authorities are now preparing for the hydropower facility to begin temporary power generation by the end of October 2026.
The project is scheduled to complete construction and officially begin supplying electricity to Cambodia's national grid by the end of 2026, according to the project information provided by the source.
80MW Hydropower Facility Expected to Generate 369 GWh Annually
Stung Pursat 1 will have an installed generation capacity of 80 MW.
Once operational, the hydropower project is expected to produce approximately 369 million kilowatt-hours (369 GWh) of electricity per year.
The electricity will be supplied to the national grid, adding another source of domestic power generation.
The project is being positioned as part of Cambodia's efforts to expand clean electricity generation and support sustainable development.
Stung Pursat 1 Project at a Glance
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Stung Pursat 1 Hydropower |
| Location | Pramaoy commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat |
| Installed capacity | 80 MW |
| Investment | Approximately US$231 million |
| Annual generation | About 369 GWh |
| Construction began | Late 2022 |
| Water gates closed | June 4, 2026 |
| Water storage progress | More than 50% as of Sept. 30, 2026 |
| Temporary generation target | End of October 2026 |
| Planned national grid operation | End of 2026 |
| Developer | SPHP (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. |
| Technical partner | POWERCHINA |
Multipurpose Project Extends Beyond Electricity
The Stung Pursat 1 project is described as a multipurpose development, with expected benefits extending beyond electricity generation.
According to Governor Khouy Rida, the project is expected to provide a number of benefits for Pursat province and its residents.
These include expanding access to clean and affordable electricity for the national grid, supporting flood management, providing water for agricultural irrigation and creating new tourism opportunities.
Potential Irrigation for More Than 20,000 Hectares
One of the project's reported benefits is its potential contribution to agricultural water management.
According to the Pursat provincial administration, the reservoir is expected to help prepare irrigation for more than 20,000 hectares of agricultural land.
If implemented as planned, improved water availability could support agricultural production in areas benefiting from the reservoir's water resources.
The source does not provide details on the specific irrigation schemes, individual districts or the implementation timeline for the more than 20,000 hectares.
Flood Management Benefits
The project is also expected to contribute to efforts to manage rainfall-related flooding in Pursat city.
As a reservoir-based multipurpose project, its water-storage function is expected to provide an additional mechanism for managing water flows.
However, the supplied source does not provide specific flood-control capacity, historical flood-reduction estimates or technical operating parameters.
New Tourism Opportunities Around the Reservoir
The project is also expected to create opportunities for nature-based tourism.
According to the provincial governor, a new natural tourism area could develop around the project, supported by a paved road planned around the reservoir's flooded area.
Such infrastructure could improve access to the surrounding landscape and potentially create new recreational and tourism activities.
The source does not specify the planned tourism facilities, investment amount or expected number of visitors.
Investment and Construction Partnership
The project represents an estimated investment of approximately US$231 million.
It is being developed by SPHP (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. in cooperation with POWERCHINA, an international technical partner.
Construction began in late 2022.
The current schedule calls for the facility to complete construction and officially begin supplying electricity to the national grid by the end of 2026.
Potential Economic Benefits for Pursat
The provincial administration also expects the project to contribute to local economic development.
Reported benefits include:
New employment opportunities
Improved road infrastructure
Potential tourism development
Agricultural water supply
Electricity generation
New industrial activity
The source also mentions plans for a kimchi production factory for export, although it does not provide information on the investor, production capacity, investment value or expected employment.
Clean Energy and Sustainable Development
Governor Khouy Rida described the project as an important step toward clean electricity generation and sustainable development.
With an expected annual output of approximately 369 GWh, Stung Pursat 1 is intended to contribute additional hydropower generation to Cambodia's national electricity system.
The project also demonstrates how a single infrastructure development can be designed around several objectives, including power generation, water storage, agriculture, flood management, transportation and tourism.
Project Timeline
The project's reported development timeline is as follows:
Late 2022: Construction begins.
June 4, 2026: Water gates officially closed to begin reservoir storage.
September 30, 2026: Water storage progress exceeds 50 percent.
End of October 2026: Temporary electricity generation is expected to begin.
End of 2026: Full construction completion and official electricity supply to the national grid are planned.
Angkor Times Analysis
Stung Pursat 1 is notable because its planned role extends beyond the production of electricity.
The 80 MW hydropower facility is expected to generate approximately 369 GWh annually, while its reservoir is also expected to support agricultural irrigation, flood management and tourism development.
The project's progress toward temporary generation by the end of October represents an important milestone after construction began in late 2022.
The next major test will be the transition from water storage to power generation and, subsequently, the planned connection to the national grid by the end of 2026.
The project could also have wider implications for Pursat's local economy if the expected irrigation, tourism, road infrastructure and employment benefits are realised.
At the same time, the source does not provide detailed environmental assessments, electricity purchase arrangements, final construction completion percentages or specific figures for expected employment and tourism activity. Those factors would be necessary for a fuller assessment of the project's long-term economic and environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Stung Pursat 1 Hydropower Project located?
The project is located in Pramaoy commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province.
How much electricity will Stung Pursat 1 generate?
The hydropower facility has an installed capacity of 80 MW and is expected to generate approximately 369 GWh of electricity per year.
How much does the project cost?
The project represents an estimated investment of approximately US$231 million.
When did construction begin?
Construction began in late 2022.
When were the water gates closed?
The project's water gates were officially closed on June 4, 2026, to begin reservoir water storage.
How much water has been stored?
Water storage progress exceeded 50 percent as of September 30, 2026, according to the Pursat provincial governor.
When will the project start generating electricity?
Temporary power generation is expected to begin by the end of October 2026, while official operation supplying electricity to the national grid is planned for the end of 2026.
What are the expected benefits beyond electricity?
According to the provincial authorities, the project is expected to support agricultural irrigation, flood management, tourism development, road infrastructure and employment in addition to electricity generation.