January 23, 2024
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia has signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with four major French companies in the energy sector. The ministry asserts that the agreements will facilitate the advancement of renewable energy and efficiency projects, continuing the collaborative efforts of the two nations.
Jean-Francois Tain, minister delegate attached to the prime minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation, stated that Cambodia and France share a unified stance on the necessity of enhancing energy efficiency policies and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy.
Tain made the remarks during a January 20 press conference on the outcomes of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s recent official visit to France and the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
He said the agreements include an MoU between the Ministry of Mines and Energy and Hydrogene de France SA for a feasibility study and development of a 10MW hydrogen power project.
Another was signed with Electricite de France SA which focuses on identifying and developing storage pump energy projects.
The third agreement was with VINCI Construction Grands Projets and Sage Engineering which aims to study the feasibility of converting residential refuse into electricity in Phnom Penh, integrating it into the waste management chain.
“From now on, the two countries take a united stand in the fight against global warming and global poverty. Cambodia and France will continue to promote development, energy efficiency and renewable energy to the maximum,” Tain stated.
He added that the joint position highlights the common interests of both nations, fostering more consistent discussions and a mutual agreement on the importance of accelerating the energy transition, which he identified as one of the visit’s four key achievements.
A January 19 press release from the energy ministry also noted that expanding development cooperation between the two nations will further promote projects.
It stated that the collaboration is intended to enhance the speed of energy transition in both Cambodia and the broader region.
According to the release, the initiative contributes to the global effort to transition towards sustainable, stable, affordable and reliable energy development, ensuring energy security for the country and sustainability for the environment.
Hong Vanak, director of International Economics at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted on January 21 that the Kingdom introduced the National Energy Efficiency Policy at the end of 2022.
He said the policy aims to reduce energy consumption by 20% by 2035 through efficiency measures.
“We already know that France is a fairly advanced country in the energy sector. It is a great opportunity for us to have strong partners in the sector and it is also a timely moment to consider green energy, as all economic development is invariably linked to the environment. Therefore, I believe the MoUs signed by Cambodia with these French companies are very important,” he added.