---Cambodia's goal of electrifying 100% of its villages is on track for completion in 2020, owing in large part to development of its hydropower resources.
Speaking at an annual gathering of the nation's ministers in the Asian country's capital this week, Victor Jona, Director General of Cambodia's Department of Energy, said about 81.5% of all villages currently have access to power. That percentage is expected to increase to 88% by the end of the year.
The country's cumulative generation increased from 2,115 MW in 2016 to 2,283 MW in 2017, according to data from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, with hydroelectric sources making up the largest portion.
In all, Cambodia's hydro sources provided about 40% of its total power, with coal making up the second largest part with about a quarter. Diesel and biomass combined for an additional 15%, with the remainder of the country's available power imported.
Officials also announced their approval of two unnamed hydro projects in the Koh Konh and Pursat provinces, though further details were not divulged. The provinces are already home to several plants that are both in operation and being developed.
"We believe our goal is realistic because [state-owned utility] Electricite du Cambodge has enough funds and support from the government to make this happen," Jona said.
(Source: HRW)
