Firm set to launch 150MW solar power plants in Kingdom
Firm set to launch 150MW solar power plants in Kingdom
Jinkosolar Holding Co Ltd has announced it is to supply photovoltaic panels for three solar power plants in Cambodia with a combined capacity of 150MW.New York Stock Exchange-listed JinkoSolar said Cheetah solar panels will be installed at two photovoltaic power stations in Pursat province’s Krakor district, with capacities of 60MW and 30MW.
The third plant, with a capacity of 60MW, will be located in the central province of Kampong Chhnang.
“These particular panels have an average module efficiency of 20 per cent and are suitable for areas with high heat and humidity,” said JinkoSolar, the world’s largest producer of solar panels.
The three solar parks will be built in line with the government’s efforts to meet the country’s growing energy demand.
Ministry of Mines and Energy spokesman Victor Jona told The Post on Wednesday that the photovoltaic panels for installation are currently being processed.
He estimated that the solar panels for the three projects were worth some $1million.
“These projects are planned to be completed by the end of this year,” said Jona, who is also director-general of the General Department of Energy.
Speaking at the presentation of Cambodia’s 2020 energy vision last July, Electricite du Cambodge (EdC) director-general Keo Rattanak said Cambodia will expand solar energy investment by 12 per cent by the end of this year, and increase it to 20 per cent over the next three years.
He said the power generated would be used to meet increasing electricity demands in the industrial and commercial sectors.
“We want to set up solar power plants in many locations. We believe solar power will provide lower prices. As EdC director, I do not want to see the Mekong River a part of hydropower [production],” Rattanak said.
A $58 million 60MW solar power plant – a collaboration between JinkoSolar and SchneiTec Group – is under construction in Kampong Speu province.
Electricity demand in the Kingdom is expected to increase from 1.5GW to 2.3GW this year, with it reaching 2.8GW next year.
In January 2018, Cambodia issued new rules for the integration of solar power.
The Kingdom’s electricity demands are currently covered by hydroelectricity and coal power, accounting for around 48 per cent and 47 per cent of generation, respectively.
Jona said 150MW of electricity from the Don Sahong Dam in Laos was connected to Cambodia’s national grid on Tuesday.
