Cambodia Investment Review
The Royal Group of Companies has launched Cambodia’s first gas-fired facility, marking a significant investment of $1.34 billion, located in the Thmor Sor commune of Botum Sakor district, Koh Kong Province.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister of Mines and Energy H.E. Keo Rottanak, Koh Kong provincial governor Lok Chumteav Mithona Phuthong, Neak Oknha Kith Meng, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wing Bank and CEO of the Royal Group of Companies, and Lok Chumteav Neak Oknha Mao Chamnan, along with other government officials and local authorities.
State-Of-The-Art Gas-Fired Power Plant In Koh Kong
H.E. Keo Rottanak stated, “Today marks a historic milestone for Cambodia with the launch of the state-of-the-art gas-fired power plant in Koh Kong, building on the significant introduction of the 400MW Lower Sesan 2 Hydropower Plant in 2017.”
The first-ever gas-fired power plant will feature two combined-cycle F-class generation units, each with a capacity of 450MW, making it Cambodia’s most significant energy initiative to date. Once operational, the plant is expected to generate approximately 6,000 GWh of electricity annually, supplying EDC through a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement. According to the Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC), the facility is projected to contribute 18% to the country’s total generation capacity and account for 26% of its energy output. The commercial operations for the first unit are anticipated to begin by April 2027.
Thomas J. Pianka, Director of Royal Group Power, stated, “As the largest power generation facility in the nation, this plant will be instrumental in driving economic growth in the Kingdom.”
The introduction of natural gas as a primary fuel source is revolutionizing Cambodia’s energy landscape. The gas-fired plant will rely on the importation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which is recognized as a cleaner alternative to coal.
This latest addition to Royal Group’s expanding energy portfolio builds on their earlier success with the 400MW Lower Sesan 2 Hydropower Plant in Stung Treng province, which remains the country’s largest clean energy facility. Additionally, the company’s collaboration with China Huaneng is advancing, with plans for a 940MW Hybrid Hydro-Solar power plant in northeastern Cambodia on the horizon.
Approval For A Wind Power Initiative In Mondulkiri
In partnership with The Blue Circle, the company has also recently secured approval for a two-phase wind power initiative in Mondulkiri, with a total capacity of 250MW. Additionally, they are exploring a 200MW solar PV project in collaboration with TotalEnergies.
Royal Group is actively pursuing renewable energy projects across the nation, and its commitment to sustainability positions the group as a key player in Cambodia’s transition to carbon Neutrality by 2050.
By the early 2030s, Royal Group is expected to have developed or co-developed over 3GW of generation capacity, solidifying its position as Cambodia’s leading domestic electricity producer.