Clean Energy Week 2025 in Cambodia: Accelerating the energy transition for a sustainable economic future

Since 2 October 2025, Phnom Penh has been hosting Clean Energy Week, a major event illustrating the central role of clean energy in Cambodia's economic competitiveness and industrial growth.

Until 9 October 2025, Phnom Penh will be vibrating to the rhythm of innovation and sustainable ambition with the 8th edition of Clean Energy Week (CEW) 2025. Organised by EnergyLab Cambodia in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and supported by Australia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this week dedicated to clean energy brings together key players from government, industry and development partners to outline the contours of a competitive and inclusive Cambodian economy geared towards a sustainable energy future.

A renewed vision for economic growth through clean energy

At the opening ceremony, presided over by His Excellency Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, the message was clear and ambitious: Cambodia must make clean energy central to its industrial and economic strategy if it is to remain competitive on the world stage.

‘Clean energy is no longer an option, it is an imperative necessity’, he said.

According to him, massively integrating renewable energies - solar, hydroelectric and wind - into all production chains will not only reduce energy costs, but also make ‘Made in Cambodia’ products more attractive to international brands, which are increasingly demanding in terms of sustainability criteria.

This integration must go beyond simply supplying electricity, to become intelligent and strategic energy management," he emphasised, stressing the need to modernise the country's electricity system to ensure reliable, sustainable and cost-effective distribution.

International and financial support for the project, but challenges ahead

International support was in evidence throughout the week. Australian ambassador Derek Yip reaffirmed Australia's long-term commitment through the CAPRED (Cambodia-Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development) programme, stressing in particular the importance of building Cambodia's capacity to integrate variable renewable energy into its electricity grid. He also announced the imminent launch of the Cambodia Climate Financing Facility, a fund that should mobilise around $350 million for climate-friendly investments.

For his part, Enrico Gaveglia, UNDP Resident Representative, pointed out that the energy transition was an essential pillar of Cambodia's sustainable development ambitions, while warning against the capital-intensive nature of this transformation. The UNDP's support is aimed in particular at mobilising green financing and reducing the risks for investors in this nascent sector.

An industrial sector ready to take up the challenge of transition

EnergyLab Asia described this transition as a generational opportunity to reposition Cambodia's economic competitiveness and attract new capital. Natharoun Ngo Son, Regional Director of EnergyLab Asia, spoke of Cambodia's ability to demonstrate leadership in this new global energy paradigm.

Progress is already tangible, with 99% of villages and 95% of households now connected to electricity. The initiative to spread renewable energies and energy efficiency is now the cornerstone of the national energy policy," explained Chhe Lidin, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Mines and Energy. However, the rise in solar and wind power capacity is highlighting major challenges in terms of modernising the grid and reforming tariffs to ensure the financial viability of projects.

Meetings, debates and innovations: a rich and varied programme

The event featured a packed programme of exhibitions, panel discussions and interactive sessions. Discussions covered a range of key themes, including how solar energy can fuel growth in Cambodia's textile sector, a key industrial pillar, and how clean energy can catalyse economic growth beyond industry, particularly in tourism.

Particular attention was paid to skills development and the integration of young people into this energy transition, with sessions devoted to equipping workers for a sustainable and competitive future.

Among the highlights were original documentaries made by students from the Department of Media and Communications, illustrating success stories and innovations in clean energy, with the aim of inspiring and raising public awareness of the importance of an inclusive energy transition.

Towards a clean, competitive and inclusive Cambodian economy

This year's theme, Unlocking a Clean Energy Economy, perfectly sums up the collective ambition of the week. Cambodia now needs to align policy, finance and technology in order to move from intentions and ambitions to concrete, sustainable implementation.

This 8th edition of Clean Energy Week underlines that Cambodia is at a decisive moment in its energy history. The global investment community is keeping a close eye on this promising dynamic to ensure that the vision of sustainable growth is matched by concrete actions capable of positioning the Kingdom as an emerging leader in the energy transition in Southeast Asia.

https://cleanenergycambodia.org/cleanenergyweek