PHNOM PENH: The Council of Ministers has approved the construction of two more dams in Cambodia to ensure the sustainability and development of the power sector, in accordance with the power supply master plan.

The decision was made at a cabinet meeting on Friday morning, 7 April 2023, just one week after the cabinet approved new solar power projects in Pursat, Svay Rieng and Prey Veng provinces.

Royal Government Spokesperson, Phay Siphan, shared the details of the two new dams in Koh Kong province, the first being the 70-megawatt Stung Russey Chrum Kandal hydropower project in Mondul Seima district, and the second being the 100-megawatt Stung Veal Thmor Kambot hydropower project in Thmar Bang district. These two dams are in addition to the 150-megawatt solar power generation project approved in Pursat province, the 60-megawatt power project approved in Kampong Chhnang province, the 60-megawatt power project approved in Svay Rieng province and the 80-megawatt power project approved in Prey Veng province.

Spokesperson Phay Siphan further detailed some of the benefits these five new power projects will bring, including improved access to electricity from clean energy sources, additional electricity sources overall, better response to electricity shortages over time, and reduced water overflow/better storage of water so electricity production remains dry.

The five new power projects are also guaranteed a fixed electricity tariff of 20 years for solar projects, and 40 years for hydropower projects. The projects are also expected to bring in new technologies to the country, and provide new jobs for the people during both construction and operation.

The Royal Government is estimated to receive a total tax revenue of US $322.8 million from the five energy projects, excluding other tax revenues such as payroll tax, withholding tax, other indirect taxes, and other taxes to be paid by the EDC and other electricity distributors.

^{PHOTO: KOK KY}