A Cambodian power official mentioned the nation now not plans to construct a coal-fired energy plant alongside the nation’s southwest coast, and can as an alternative transfer ahead with a pure gas-fired facility.
Vitality Minister Keo Rottanak advised the Reuters information service an official announcement is predicted Nov. 30. Rottanak mentioned the proposed 700-ME coal-fired plant, which was sited close to the Botum Sakor Nationwide Park, a protected nature protect alongside the southwest coast of Koh Kong province, is being canceled in favor of an 800-MW gas-fired station.
“The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will announce on Nov. 30 the cancellation of the 700-MW coal energy plant venture in Koh Kong and the plan to exchange it with an 800-MW LNG [liquefied natural gas] to be commissioned after 2030,” Rottanak advised Reuters. The brand new plan possible will embrace development of an LNG import terminal that would supply gas for the ability plant. The LNG import terminal could be the primary in Cambodia, and marks the third new LNG market in Southeast Asia previously 12 months. The Philippines and Vietnam every obtained their first shipments of LNG this 12 months.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is predicted to announce the brand new gas-fired plant at a ceremony Thursday. The prime minister additionally is predicted to announce plans for a brand new hydropower dam in the identical area. Authorities information exhibits Cambodia obtained 54% of its electrical energy from hydropower in 2022, adopted by 35.5% from coal-fired era.
Opposition to Coal-Fired Plant
Particulars of the gas-fired energy plant and LNG terminal’s value haven’t been launched. The proposed Botum Sakor coal-fired plant confronted opposition from environmental teams primarily due to its proximity to the nationwide park and forest space populated by a number of endangered animal species, based on reviews. The coal plant had been anticipated to enter business operation in 2025.
Rottanak in an announcement mentioned, “Cambodia is absolutely dedicated to doing no matter it may possibly to attain web zero by 2050. Our first cease earlier than that’s no less than 70% renewables by 2030 with power effectivity and electrification packages as a part of the built-in technique.”
Cambodian officers have beforehand mentioned they might not develop new coal-fired energy vegetation, whereas acknowledging the nation was nonetheless dedicated to current plans for the Botum Sakor station, and the 265-MW Han Seng coal-fired facility in Oddar Meanchey province in northern Cambodia. The Han Seng plant was initially scheduled to return on-line final 12 months, however development on the website was halted greater than a 12 months in the past. Huazi Worldwide, a contractor that took over the venture in September, has mentioned it plans so as to add no less than 200 MW of solar energy era capability on the website. Authorities officers have mentioned plans for the coal-fired plant on the website haven’t modified at the same time as development has ceased.
—Darrell Proctor is a senior affiliate editor for POWER (@POWERmagazine).
