As recently as 2010, hydropower and coal plants each supplied just over 3% of the country’s electricity,33 but plans are that hydropower will be the largest source of electricity within a few years, with coal also making a much larger contribution. Recent news, however, reported distribution issues with some operational dams. The 246-megawatt Stung Tatai Dam in Koh Kong province, which began operation in mid-August in 2014, is costing the government an estimated $74 million in revenue loss because of unused electricity. The electricity generated cannot be distributed because the area lacks required infrastructure.34
Energy imports are likely to continue for several years – the development of new high-voltage lines between Cambodia and neighboring countries is continuing. Private investors from other countries will remain the key players in the development of the Cambodian energy sector. In mid-2012, the Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy stated that Chinese investment in the energy sector is crucial for the development of Cambodia: “Most investors in the country’s energy sector are from China. Chinese investors have invested billions of US dollars in building hydropower dams and power transmission lines in Cambodia. The investment in this sector is very vital for Cambodia’s social and economic development and poverty alleviation.35 However, it is worth noting that particular tariffs for hydro-electricity are fixed by agreements between the government and developers for the entire concession period. The government is responsible for debt payment if the Electricité du Cambodge fail or delay to fulfill its obligations towards the hydropower developers.36
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) project database lists a number of projects supporting transmission, rural electrification, regional power connections, as well as general support for the power sector.37 The World Bank (WB) has committed support in the past for rural electrification and transmission.38 Cambodia has also secured bilateral funding in the power sector, and in September 2012, India agreed to provide a loan of US$70 million to fund high voltage transmission lines.