The battery energy storage system supported by the project is capable of storing 16 megawatt-hours of electricity and providing services to help with renewable energy integration, transmission congestion relief, and balancing of supply and demand, among others.
“The battery energy storage system will showcase how large-scale deployment of innovative technology applications can be used to operate Cambodia's grid in the future and generate more renewable power.”
The bank said today it will finance the construction by Electricite du Cambodge of four transmission lines and 10 substations in Phnom Penh and Kampong Chhang, Kamong Cham, and Takeo provinces. It will also support the installation of a 16-MWh energy storage facility near the ADB-backed 100-MW National Solar Park with a grant of USD 6.7 million.
Of the total amount, USD 4.7 million come from the Strategic Climate Fund and USD 2 million from the Clean Energy Fund, both administered by the bank. The government of Cambodia aims to reach 415 MW of installed photovoltaic (PV) power capacity by 2020. In 2019, the country had 155 MW.
Can solar power be used in Cambodia?
Renewable energy, particularly solar, holds great promise for Cambodia. However, the intermittent nature of solar energy benefits from robust storage solutions to store excess generation and provide power during low solar output periods, like the dry season.
The Cambodian Minister of Mines and Energy, Keo Rattanak, is targeting 70% renewable energy by 2030. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have emerged as a transformative technology in global energy markets, enabling the efficient integration of renewable energy, enhancing grid stability, and providing access to electricity in off-grid areas.
What is a battery energy storage system?
The battery energy storage system supported by the project is capable of storing 16 megawatt-hours of electricity and providing services to help with renewable energy integration, transmission congestion relief, and balancing of supply and demand, among others.