Communities in remote areas in Cambodia request civil society groups and the government to provide renewable energy in their areas to support daily living, serve local tourism and protect against climate change.
According to Dean Rizzetti, policy director of Energy Lab, the Cambodian government set a goal to meet 70% renewable energy by 2030, by doubling solar capacity. “There are so many reasons to feel that we can address the challenges of climate change. In doing so, we will do things like reducing the country’s imports of fossil fuels to create a more resilient and fairer society,” he mentioned.
At a panel discussion on Just Energy Transition Practices Through Community Lens on November 4 during Clean Energy Week 2024 from October 31 to November 7, Bun Penhpheak, market development advisor of People in Need (PIN), said solar technology offered significant benefits and greatly supported farmers and local communities.
However, he also pointed out some challenges; one of the main ones being high upfront costs of solar panels, which makes it difficult for many households to afford them.
In addition, the private sector, comprising mostly small-scale businesses, has limited capacity to meet solar energy demand, and that solar energy consumption tends to attract “wealthier customers”.
Furthermore, the lack of flexible payment options, such as installment plans, limits access to lower-income families and forces many to take out bank loans to finance the purchase of solar panels, which can be a huge burden, Penhpheak said.
“So, what is the suggestion [in terms of community solutions]? First, the government should pay special attention to incentive policies to facilitate organizations under the Rural Development Bank or SME Bank to adjust loan terms to suit the communities’ special circumstances,” he shared. That way, communities can obtain long-term low interest loans to install solar panels.
Chhoeun Sody, head of Changkran Roy Forestry Community, which is based in the remote Bal Doth village of Svay Sar commune in Varin district, Siem Reap province, spoke to CamboJA News about their project using solar-powered water pumps to provide water and electricity to the community.
The initiative benefits up to 250 families whose daily needs are supported, including powering up essential activities, she said. The use of solar panels also contributes to the protection of the local forest, boosts the community’s financial well-being, and supports the growth of eco-tourism in the area.
Additionally, the project helps to reduce labor costs within the community, Sody said. The project, which was implemented in seven months, was done with the support of civil society organizations, such as the Human Resource and Rural Economic Development Organization (HURREDO) and Oxam.
However, the community experienced several challenges, including unpredictable weather and occasional shortage of electricity supply, which disrupted daily activities. There are also technical difficulties associated with the adoption of solar panels as many community members are still learning to navigate new technology.
“I would like to see the government provide [investment] for solar panels for rural communities because they need electricity for daily use as well as for ecotourism. If we have more solar panels in the forest, it would draw more tourists [to visit] at night,” she said. If the government cooperates with partners, more tourists will make their way to nature-based tourism spots.
Bun Samphan, a representative of Koh Han Ecotourism Community in Stung Treng Province, explained how the introduction of solar energy transformed the lives of 283 families in his community since 2018. He said the villagers got access to consistent and affordable electricity, previously out of reach for most.
She added that the community received large solar panels and mobile solar donations which can power kitchen appliances. At the same time, the community also underwent training to install, maintain and manage solar systems from Culture and Environment Preservation Association (CEPA).
Samphan highlighted how solar energy has improved their life in Koh Han, from having light for nighttime study to being able to power water pumps, and even lighting administrative events at the local commune hall and health center.
Access to solar power has also contributed to the local economy, as it has attracted more tourists. Samphan noted that young people have gained valuable skills in using and maintaining solar technology. The community has been empowered from the support provided to local tourism.
“In the past, households relied on generators or batteries, but that wasn’t enough. Now, we have sufficient electricity which powers essential community services,” she said. “With solar power, we save on monthly expenses, and students have light to study at night.”
But challenges remain, Samphan said, like during the rainy season as electricity generation is impacted due to limited sunlight, so families need to conserve power for night use.
In addition to that, Koh Han’s solar capacity was limited. She noted that existing solar panels cannot fully power the boats to transport tourists. Her community needs larger or additional solar panels to meet their needs.
Despite the limitations, the community was not keen on using state electricity. Electricity poles have been installed in her community, but the high monthly electricity tariffs for the use of state supply have affected many families. This has made solar power more appealing given tight household budgets.
In the meantime, Samphan hopes for broader solar support and solar technology education for the community.
“What we have now is very helpful but there’s still more to do. People need the knowledge to use and care for solar equipment properly,” she said.
Veurn Vouth, program manager of Live and Learn Cambodia, said their project with the community harnesses solar energy to pump clean water from rivers and wells. It benefits eight communities comprising more than 80 families in remote, indigenous areas in Ratanakkiri and Stung Treng provinces.
The initiative has vastly improved the communities’ livelihood with solar energy providing significant financial savings while promoting the use of clean, sustainable energy.
“The community uses gasoline to pump water, but the cost is high compared to solar energy, which is more profitable and cost-effective,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the challenges the project poses for communities in some remote areas, such as limited access to technology and insufficient resources to fully address the issues they face.
Another issue is related to the government’s policy where Cambodia aims to reach 70% renewable energy by 2030 but the renewable energy plan was predominantly focused on hydroelectric power, with solar energy having received little attention and investment.
“My request to the government is to analyze the budget [for solar panels] to support the next generation as a necessary resource at the grassroots level, and be involved in solar systems because they are most suitable for rural communities, especially in agriculture.”
Heng Kunleang, director-general of the General Department of Energy, did not respond; the same with Choup Paris and Khvay Atiya, spokespersons of the Ministry of Environment.
Additional Reporting by Seoung Nimol
