You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

January 10, 2024

Cambodia: All Solar Power Systems Must be Reported

On December 15, 2023, the Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC) issued a notification requiring all owners of solar power systems to report their systems to their local electricity supplier by January 31, 2024. Systems that have already been reported under existing regulations are exempt from this requirement.

Systems that remain unreported after the deadline will be deemed illegal and subject to penalties, including possible disconnection from the national grid.

The rationale for the reporting requirement is that the EAC expects to adopt a new solar power regulation soon. Electricite du Cambodge (the main state-owned utility provider in Cambodia) and EAC-licensed private electricity providers are now gathering data on the current use of solar power systems in order to prepare for, adopt, and execute the upcoming regulation. The reporting requirement is to facilitate this gathering of data.

The upcoming regulation, planned for early 2024 according to the notification, follows last year’s Prakas No. 159, which contained the Ministry of Mines and Energy’s guidelines and principles for rooftop solar systems. The EAC now needs to issue implementing regulations that are in line with the ministry’s guidelines and principles.

Although stand-alone solar power systems that did not have a connection to the national grid were previously not regulated and did not require any authorizations, the EAC is now stating that all types of solar power systems need to adhere to the reporting requirement under the notification. According to the EAC, the upcoming regulation will address all types of systems, and the December 15 notification clearly announces that all types of solar power systems will need to obtain EAC approval under the upcoming regulation.

Solar power system operators in Cambodia should report their systems to their local electricity providers by January 31, 2024, to avoid any penalties, while remaining vigilant for the upcoming regulation, which will likely include a requirement to obtain EAC authorization for any solar power systems.

For more information on complying with Cambodia’s requirements for solar power systems, please contact David Mol at [email protected].

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

September 1, 2020
With interest in renewable and sustainable energy sources rapidly increasing worldwide, the nations of the Mekong region are beginning to incorporate innovative power generation options into their electrical grids and, more significantly, into their growth plans for the future. As a result, wind energy, formerly one of the least-utilized options in the hydro and solar dominated region, is beginning to see a considerable uptick in interest from investors and governments in the region alike.
August 19, 2020
In order to qualify as a VSPP, a power producer must generate no more than 10 MW per project, and must comply with the requirements and restrictions set by the Executive Committee of Power Purchase from Community Power Plant Projects. Furthermore, prospective VSPPs may only use one of the following:BiomassBiogas from wastewater or wasteBiogas from biofuelA hybrid of biomass or biogas  with solar power
August 19, 2020
On March 2, 2020, the Department of Mineral Fuels (DMF) issued its Notification Re: the Determination of Exploration Blocks for the Bidding for Petroleum Exploration and Production B.E. 2563 (2020). This notification, which repeals the Notification of the Department of Mineral Fuels Re: the Determination of Exploration Blocks for the Bidding for Petroleum Exploration and Production B.E. 2561 (2018), allocates the areas to be used as exploration blocks for the 23rd round of bidding for petroleum and exploration production.