Cambodia guns at smarter grids by integrating more renewables

Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, speaks at the memorandum of understanding signing function between his ministry and Huawei Technologies (Cambodia) in Phnom Penh, on Friday. MME

Synopsis: The path to clean energy can be achieved through a shared project, one that depends as much on the skills of our people as on the systems that carry the power, Rottanak says.

The Kingdom is aiming smarter grids integrating more renewables, said Keo Rottanak, the Minister of Mines and Energy.

This came as he attended a function, where the ministry inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huawei Technologies (Cambodia), in Phnom Penh, on Friday.

“What we aim are better quality and safety solar systems, smarter grids that can integrate more renewable power without losing reliability, more investments in projects that meet international standards alongside attracting international financing and opportunities for Cambodian students, engineers and companies to grow with the sector,” the minister asserted.

The minister thanked Huawei Cambodia for the commitment shown towards further developing the Kingdom’s energy sector, emphasising that the company’s strong team on the ground to provide timely support, requires a special mentioning.

This is the second MoU between the ministry and Huawei Technologies (Cambodia). The first one was signed in 2022.

“The path to clean energy can be achieved through shared project, one that depends as much on the skills of our people as on the systems that carry the power,” Rottanak said.

“Three years ago, we began working with Huawei to put new ideas for Cambodia’s energy sector into action. Today, we sign an agreement to expand the work into a programme that brings together skills, standards and technology.

“When we signed our first MoU with Huawei back in 2022, it set out four priorities. Renewable energy with technical standards, digital technologies with smart systems, energy efficiency and of course, corporate social responsibility.

“Since then, we have worked together to put those priorities into practice through rooftop solar safety measures, technical workshops, and the deployment of Cambodia’s first grid-forming battery system. We are proud of that.”

The minister highlighted that the most visible result of the cooperation came last December when the ‘Kampong Chhnang Grid-Forming Battery System’ became the first overseas project of its kind to be tested and certified by TUV SUD of Germany.

“Now, for those, who are not familiar with this organisation. It is an institution that is responsible for certifying, inspecting world-class standards. So, the fact that this project is certified by this important global institution speaks volume of the significance of this milestone.”

The ministry said that fully compliant with leading international standards, the milestone set a global benchmark that reflects Cambodia’s place in meeting world-class technical requirements.

“Our new MoU with Huawei strengthens the foundation set in 2022 with a sharper focus on education and talent.

“It brings in our universities and training centres, and engages Cambodian engineers, technicians and students in developing the next generation of skills for ICT and renewable energy sectors.

“It will add support for regional benchmarks and pilot projects to build on Cambodia’s technical capabilities and role in Asean standards.”

He stressed that the steps, which are part of a much wider national effort, would help the country meet its energy goals and sustain them over time. “That commitment to people is matched by a commitment to technology. The cooperation will strengthen solar power through Smart PV continue the development of energy storage and support electric vehicle infrastructure along with the ICT systems that connect them.

“By linking training with advanced technologies such as intelligent power distribution and digital grid management, the partnership we forged today will equip local companies to deliver projects that meet higher technical standards.”

He said the initiative opens a channel for potential investment in clean energy through cooperation with Chinese financial institutions. “Together, these efforts will translate into clear practical outcomes.

He urged all stakeholders to continue the momentum to increase the benefits to the people. “Let the progress we talk about in this room become the progress that people feel in their homes, in their businesses and in their communities.”