Scores of Japanese investment projects in the renewable energy sector – mainly solar PV in Cambodia have been unveiled, joining existing renewable power projects lighting up Cambodia.

Japanese ambassador to Cambodia Masahiro Mikami said this in a meeting to Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday, where he lauded cooperation between the two countries.

“Some Japanese investors are interested to invest in building natural gas and solar PV power plants in Cambodia,” Masahiro Mikami was quoted as saying by Eang Sophalleth, assistant to Mr Hun Sen told reporters upon the meeting.

Mr Hun Sen welcomed the projects as he said thanks to assistance from the Japanese government to Cambodia.

The renewable energy investment projects are in line with the government’s strategy on power development.

Minister of Mines and Energy Suy Sem has said that Cambodia does not plan to develop anymore new coal-fired power plants in addition to the projects already approved by the Royal Government since 2019 and continue to encourage investment in clean energy to respond to climate change. Cambodia would switch to low-carbon energy sources such as imported natural gas, LNG or hydrogen instead and continue to encourage investment in the clean energy sector, Sem said.

“For Cambodia’s stand in the energy sector related to global climate issues, Cambodia has increased the use of renewable energy and other energy sources that are not harmful to the environment. Cambodia does not allow the development of harmful projects, including coal-fired power plants, anymore,” he said.

Cambodia’s existing solar power stations include a 10mW and 5mW solar farm in Bavet city, Svay Rieng province, an 80mW solar station in Kampong Speu province and a 60mW solar station in Kampong Chhnang province. Cambodia requires an average power generation of more than 2,000mW of electricity a year.

Demand is predicted to inch down 20 percent to 1,800mW for 2020, according to the ministry.