Cambodia — In past decades, the family of Heur Sophy, 44, made their living with the flow of the seasons in the northern riverlands of landlocked Stung Treng province.
During the rainy months in the Sesan district village of Kamphun, her father and grandfather would farm the rice fields. In the dry season, they turned to fishing, harvesting much of the family’s annual intake of protein from their nets along the river. From her early memories of life on the water, Sophy could remember her relatives easily filling their boat with night-time fishing excursions from the rich natural fishery.
However, the once-thriving routine of her family and more than 500 other families in Kamphun commune began to change with the construction of the 400-megawatt Lower Sesan II dam, which became operational in December 2018 and altered the river flow and fish habitats. Now, the fishing practices that once sustained entire communities produce only a dwindling, meager catch.
“The water flow has become unpredictable. Fish migration patterns are disrupted, and fish populations have declined,” Sophy said.
Today, Cambodia’s domestic energy mix is largely dominated by hydropower and coal, which respectively account for 46% and 48% of supply. Meanwhile, solar arrays in the sun-drenched kingdom currently provide just about 5% of the country’s electricity.
However, this mix could be dramatically overhauled in the years to come. According to the kingdom’s master plan for energy development, by 2040 a growing use of solar photovoltaic arrays could produce the largest share of electricity on the national grid at nearly 30% of the country’s electricity. This would also come amidst lower investment in hydro or fossil-fuel-fired power.
Even as falling costs and improving efficiency of solar developments have driven up its feasibility, bureaucratic hurdles and political reluctance have historically limited its full potential in Cambodia. If the master plan comes to light, it would mean an about-face from current policy that appears to favor large-scale and often controversial hydroelectric projects.
The environmental tradeoffs of energy infrastructure development are perhaps most easily seen in the riverlands of northern Cambodia, where Sophy and other locals have struggled to adapt to the ecological decline caused by damming.
Near the Sesan II dam, where well-connected development groups are considering new proposals for additional major dam sites, families now make the best of what’s left in the natural fishery.
When Sophy was 15, a one-hour boat trip with her father could yield 80 to 90 kilograms of fish. Now, her family has to travel farther and spend twice as much time, only to catch a third of what they used to.
The same decline applies to their rice harvest during the rainy season. Locals and conservationists say the dams trap vital sediments needed for healthy agriculture around the Mekong River.
When she was young, her family’s rice fields along the Mekong river would yield 3 to 4 tonnes per year. It was more than enough for a “good life,” with extra to trade for profit, she said.
Now, she said, it would be a miracle to get even half of that. The most she can hope for is around half a tonne per year.
Transmission line in Kandal Province, Cambodia, August 2024 (Photo: Socheata Hean)
Unharnessed Sunshine
As with most forms of development, energy infrastructure planning depends on cost-benefit analyses.
“The greatest challenge with large infrastructure projects is finding the right balance between the necessary tradeoffs and avoiding overburdening local communities with negative impacts,” said Courtney Weatherby, deputy director and research analyst at the Mekong-focused Stimson Center.
Rapid economic development and continued industrial growth are projected to quadruple electricity demand in Cambodia by 2040, according to the World Bank. This would require approximately $20 billion in investments to expand generation capacity and the transmission grid.
As the kingdom faces the need for these more broadly focused upgrades, Weatherby said it would be a good time to drive toward sustainability.
“Cambodia has an opportunity to push for a greener energy future by requesting investment specifically in clean technologies like solar, battery storage, and closed-loop systems of pumped storage hydropower,” she said.
In 2018, Cambodia introduced a solar generation regulation, a new driver for the country’s solar PV system development. Cambodia’s grid-scale solar development started with just a 10 MW pilot in 2017. Today, nine solar power plants are connected to the national grid and are capable of producing up to 444 megawatts (MW), according to the Stimson Center’s Mekong Infrastructure Tracker.
That tracker also reveals 620 MW of capacity is on the way from two solar farms currently under construction, with an additional four installations planned.
Cambodia is also set to enhance its renewable energy infrastructure with two new storage projects, according to Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak. Speaking at an August regional ministerial meeting in Jakarta, Rottanak announced the launch of a 2,000 MW battery system next year and a 1,000 MW pumped storage hydro project set for completion by 2028.
This announcement follows Rottanak’s remarks in July, where he highlighted the government’s encouragement of solar energy use, pointing to the reduction of import taxes on solar panels from 35% to zero as a key measure.
Still, experts say more is needed from both hardware and public policy to clear the way for a solar renaissance.
Han Phoumin, senior energy economist for the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), said rooftop solar already provides enticing benefits to homes and businesses, especially since the cost of PV modules has dropped dramatically, almost 96% from 2010.
To fully capitalize on that, Phoumin said households should be able to both consume and produce electricity on the grid. That would require EDC to invest in upgrades such as a digitized electricity system with a smart grid to manage weather forecasting and load-demand forecasting, he explained.
“EDC would need a system that can automatically predict every minute in-and-out energy, a stabilized grid to avoid unexpected blackouts and battery storage to store unused power for later supply,” he said.
Solar Farm in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia, August 2024. (Photo: Socheata Hean)
The Solar Push Amidst Industrial Growth and Global Sustainability Demands
With all that sun beating down, the vital garment, footwear and travel goods manufacturing sector may be the country’s best vehicle for change. That’s because producers are increasingly eyeing rooftop solar arrays to cut energy costs while meeting sustainability demands from international brands.
The garment industry plays a significant role in Cambodia’s economic growth and is one of the largest energy consumers. Home to more than 1,300 factories employing about 840,000 workers, most of whom are women, the country’s garment sector contracts with major international fashion brands such as Adidas, Gap, H&M, Marks and Spencer, Nike, Tesco, and UNIQLO.
Transitioning to solar energy could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of Cambodia’s industrial sectors and align with global sustainability goals. This move will not only free Cambodia from a reliance on high-emission energy sources but also meet the growing demand for cleaner production methods from international buyers in the garment sector.
“Our clients are from European countries, and they demand us to operate with clean energy, “ said So Saveth, a general manager of the Footsteps garment factory in Phnom Penh, which has had an on-grid rooftop solar array since 2018. “From a business perspective, we want both financial and environmental feasibility.”
In Cambodia’s garment sector, wood accounts for about 70% of energy consumption, as revealed in the energy audits of 50 factories conducted during the EU Switch Garment project, which aims to boost competitiveness and reduce environmental impact. Around 300,000 tonnes of wood are burned and used by the garment sector each year in the production to produce heat and steam, producing roughly 368,000 tons of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
The U.N.’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C requires a 45% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The global garment sector currently accounts for up to 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, but experts say the industry’s emissions could rise 49% by 2030 if current practices continue.
For industry players, all of these factors plus external pressure make a transition to sustainable production both necessary and unavoidable, said Ken Loo, the secretary general of the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), formerly known as the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia.
“We encourage our members to install rooftop solar, claiming it is a way to meet buyers’ demand and their commitment toward 100% renewable energy by 2050,” he said.
“If we meet the criteria from buyers, it means the factories could obtain more orders from buyers,” he added. “On the other hand, if we fail to meet buyer’s demand, the factory could lose the orders.”
Along with speaking directly to industry, Loo said TAFTAC also works with the government to push for better energy policy and make it more convenient when factory members want to install rooftop solar.
In July, TAFTAC joined a coalition of business advocacy groups that beseeched the government to cut fees applied to users of large PV systems, most of which are in the industrial sector. The EAC has not yet shown signs of any willingness to ease these restrictions.
Heng Kunleang, the government spokesman for the EAC’s overseeing Department of Energy, did not respond to a request for comment. Officials managing the energy sector have said in the past that the capacity charge – a monthly fee applied by PV project size rather than usage – is necessary to keep the grid stable and funded.
“We are trying to convince the government how important it is to have a policy that makes it easier for our members in the garment sector because it is the demand from our buyers,” said Loo. “If we don’t have that, our buyers could leave us, leave Cambodia. Therefore, we need policies that support our sector for this transformation.”
Socheata Hean is a multimedia journalist in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Her coverage is mainly on politics, human rights, education, environment, GEDSI, health, cultures, and arts — all of these align with the UN SDGs. These reports have significantly influenced decision-making at various levels, from government bodies to UN agencies and NGOs.
A record 500 participants gathered at the 2024 Cambodia Waste Summit with one goal: tackle the country’s spiraling garbage challenges.
The summit, now in its seventh year, showcased the innovations of more than 50 local groups working on solid waste processing, plastic composting, water filtration and more. The aim: foster collaboration between environmental investors, entrepreneurs, government officials and the private sector.
“It is very important that people start talking about waste by reflecting on their waste management activities,” said Nuon Monica, an event organizer. “People need to be aware of waste management as a way to take control of their own lives. I believe this forum helps participants understand waste management and think critically about how they handle waste in their communities.”
Cambodia uses a staggering 56 million plastic bags every day, according to the Ministry of Environment, and produces more than 3,500 tons of waste. The environmental impacts are everywhere, from litter-clogged street gutters to trash-strewn rivers and haze-filled skies.
If the country is to get a handle on things, it will need to expand clean technologies.
“This exhibition is not just a showcase, but an exchange of knowledge on waste management,” she said. “It offers a platform where not only business owners can learn, but also pass on valuable insights to their employees.”
Raising awareness is key, experts say, and more needs to be done.
“It’s crucial to teach the younger generation to recycle, innovate, and create something new to support the environment,” said Ou Somna, a water and environmental engineer with a local company using coconut shells to filter polluted river water. “We must create awareness about the impact we, as Cambodians, have on our environment and inspire the next generation to take action in protecting it.”
For many attendants, the summit offered a welcome opportunity to connect with other environmentally conscious collaborators.
“This program brings together a wide range of environmental initiatives,” said Kim Chheng, 14, who manned a booth backed by his school’s 4R group. “It provides a valuable platform for learning and understanding Cambodia’s environmental challenges and potential solutions.”
The four Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle, recover – are a key idea in waste management. They were a recurrent theme in the day’s discussions.
Min Samneang, a summit attendee, praised the event for bringing together so many environmental and waste management specialists.
“I learned a lot about transforming waste, including how to process kitchen waste into useful items like animal feed,” she said. “This knowledge is valuable for improving waste management practices.”
Soeun Ratana, a student at the Royal University of Agriculture, said he would return next year.
“The focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly products was very enlightening,” he said. “I learned how waste and plastic are recycled into valuable and usable items, which supports sustainable development.”
Penh Kem, the governor of Stung Sen city in Kampong Thom province, said he was attending the summit for the first time. Waste management was a top focus of the government, and he was attending to gain a better understanding of the issue.
“I believe this program is important, as it demonstrates a strong commitment to the well-being of the people, particularly in terms of waste management and disposal,” he said. “These are crucial factors that the Royal Government prioritizes highly.”
He learned a lot, he said, from the expert panels and discussions, and he would share those ideas with residents back home.
“I gained valuable experiences from the governors of Kratie and Battambang, as well as from organizations involved in implementing garbage management procedures,” he said. “These insights will help in spreading educational messages to the local people about effective waste management.”
Hem Sophem, a university student in Phnom Penh and founder of Nisset Plastic, a group dedicated to cleaning garbage from drainage canals and roads, won first place at the second ASEAN Youth Eco-Champions Award in Laos last year. The victory has inspired other young people to become more involved in environmental conservation.
Choeng Lily, a journalism trainee at Newsroom Cambodia, spoke with Sophem about his work as a plastic collector.
Q: What does Nisset Plastic mean?
A: Nisset Plastic is the name of our group of students focused on tackling plastic waste. With so many types of waste out there, we decided to concentrate on plastic, which led us to choose the name Nisset Plastic. Our goal is to make a difference in reducing plastic pollution.
Q: What motivated you to begin collecting garbage in the sewers and on the streets?
A: The main issue we face is the trash problem. When I started the group, I noticed how bad the situation was, with people throwing trash into sewers, on the streets, and in public spaces like the riverside. This motivated me to create this project as a way to set an example, especially for young people. Another inspiration came from seeing people, including students, littering at school. I want to instill the right mindset about waste disposal, particularly among youth. By gathering students and involving them in this initiative, they can learn and change their behavior through participation.
Q: Have you noticed any results from the campaign?
A: Of course, there are thousands of users, and it’s clear that many of those who have joined us do not behave badly. Even if they littered before, they won’t after receiving the message. Our outreach is extensive, reaching hundreds of thousands through the media, including press and television. When people see what we do, it touches their hearts. The situation has improved in some places, like the waterways, which were once littered but are now clean and orderly. However, some still continue to litter despite learning about the problem. We can’t stop them, as no one has the authority to enforce action against it.
Q: Will you continue your efforts in the future?
A: We are fully committed, and while we don’t know how long we will continue, we remain dedicated to this cause. Even though it’s a small initiative, it has a positive impact on society. So far, other youth groups have followed our lead, forming similar groups in other provinces and cities.
Q: What advice would you provide to young people who wish to start a movement like yours?
A: There’s no need for a large group, significant strength, or specialized knowledge to make a difference. In terms of the environment, starting anywhere at any time is fine. Simply not littering is already a valuable contribution. If you want to do more, you can form a team to collect rubbish like we did or teach the younger generation.
Sok Linda discovered the ancient Cambodian art of pidan nearly by accident. Or maybe, you could say, the Angkorean-era silk-weaving tradition found her.
There were no Cambodian museums or art galleries in Sydney, where she grew up, and Khmer art was rarely discussed in her family — and even then, only by the elders.
“As a young person, I didn’t feel like it was that important because it was the older generation telling me that this is Khmer culture,” she said. “But in reality, Khmer culture is very big and multifaceted.”
It wasn’t until she began researching Cambodian weaving styles in university that she discovered pidan and began exploring her own Cambodian heritage.
“I never went to a museum or anything to see art, because it just wasn’t something that my family did,” she said. “So when I went to university, I was like, wow, this is so amazing. I saw it as an opportunity, because I didn’t see a lot of Khmer artists.”
Now 31, Sok Linda is living in the northeastern United States and preparing for a solo exhibit in March at the Campbelltown Arts Center in Sydney. With each new show, pidan gains a few more fans, and Sok Linda moves one step closer to her goal of becoming a full-time artist.
Ancient Heritage
The exact origins of pidan are unknown, but the artform is at least 1,000 years old. It’s defined by the use of intricate dyeing and weaving methods to create finely detailed scenes. Pidan are typically made from fine silk and depict landscapes of Angkor Wat or tales from Buddhist scripture. They were traditionally woven by women and donated to local temples as a way to make merit.
The practice fell into decline during the French protectorate, in the mid 19th century. It was all but obliterated under the Khmer Rouge.
“I was very interested in the idea that silk is something that was almost erased during the Pol Pot times,” she said. “Silk is one of the most resilient materials, one of the most resilient natural fibers.”
It makes an apt symbol for the resilience and strength of the Khmer people.
Modern Spin
Sok Linda first began pidan weaving in 2022. Her take on the ancient tradition reflects the change in times. She has simplified some of the more complex weaving and dyeing techniques, and moved away from its religious origins.
“The colors also differ,” she said, “and the stories behind the pidan are also very different. Instead of Buddhist stories, they are stories from my family.”
Despite the challenges of being an artist – the inconsistent paydays, the long hours, the formal rejection letters – she can think of no better career.
“I want to continue making art, and hopefully make bigger and better things, and get bigger exhibitions,” she said. “It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding career to pursue. It’s not always stable, but that’s part of the excitement.”
