Cambodia
Historically, Cambodia has one of the highest electricity tariffs in South East Asia and the Pacific. Due to the rapid increase in energy demand, the Cambodia Energy Outlook estimates an increase by 7.5 times from 2015 to 2040.
Electricity generation is dominated by hydro power and coal power plants. However due to frequent power outages, Cambodian businesses have to depend on diesel back-up systems.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
Solar PV systems is the solution to power outages and high electricity costs. The current power sources such as hydro and coal are unlikely to be able to cope with rising energy demand, creating a great opportunity for solar energy. Good solar radiance, an average sunshine duration of 6 to 9 hours a day makes solar energy the top alternative to energy needs.
ELECTRICITY TARIFFS
Cambodia has a simple tariff structure of a one-part, per kWh charge.
Rates for commercial and industrial (C&I) companies buying from the national grid now ranges from ›11.7 to 17.23 USD₵ /kWh
RULES & REGULATIONS
Division of responsibilities in the Cambodian Power Sector
The Solar Regulation allows electricity generation for self-consumption for solar PV off-grid systems and for grid-connected systems.
On-Grid Systems
Those connected and synchronized with the national grid need to meet the following criteria:
- They must be categorized as Big or Bulk consumers (supplied by the national grid at 380V – 22kV and ›22kV respectively)
- Maximum inverter capacity limited to 50% of electricity contract demand
- Excess energy is not allowed to be fed into the grid, unless a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) has been signed with EDC or another license holder
- Technical requirements like anti islanding and harmonic distortion (similar to international standards
Off-Grid Systems
Allowed to use solar or other generation for self-consumption, regardless of capacity.
RULES & REGULATIONS
SELF-INVESTMENT
This is a capital expenditure (CapEx) model, fill ownership of system
LEASING or OPERATIONAL EXPENDITURE (OpEx) Model
Leasing of solar generation assets to site owner for a contracted period of time
POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT (PPA)
This is the contracted sale of power from one company to another with a rooftop use and access agreement, as with the leasing model
APPLICATION PROCESS
