ADB-backed Solar Park To Be Ready In November

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The results of a feasibility study on a 100-megawatt solar park conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be available in November, just in time for the private sector to start bidding for the development of the project.

A solar farm in Bavet city, in Svay Rieng. KT/May Titthara

“The study will conclude in November, and the bidding process will start right away,” said Victor Jona, director-general of the Electricity Department.

The specific location for the massive ADB-backed solar park has not been determined yet, but Mr Jona said it will be built somewhere in the border between Kampong Speu and Kampong Chhnang provinces, an area that already has several energy sub-stations.

ADB is expected to provide a concessional loan for the development of the project, which will include climate finance from the Climate Investment Funds.

Last year, ADB provided a $9.2-million loan to Singapore-based Sunseap Group to build a 10 MW solar farm in Bavet city, Svay Rieng province. The solar farm is already in operation.

With seven hydropower plants expected to fully operational by the end of 2018, a recent report by the Electricity Authority of Cambodia forecasts that total energy output in the country will be 1,329 MW.

The report said 538 MW will come from coal power plants, 251 MW from fossil fuel power stations, and 72 MW from renewable energy sources.

This article was originally published in the Khmer Times.

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