Cambodia will host its annual Clean Energy Week, next week with an aim to promote and celebrate the diverse opportunities that clean energy brings to the country.
Taking place on Nov. 16-23, the event incorporates dialogues, workshops, exhibitions, and awareness-raising events to showcase the innovations, successes, and inclusive benefits of clean energy while fostering collaboration between private and public sector stakeholders and awareness among the public, according to a press release of the Australia Embassy in Cambodia issued this week.
This annual event is organised by Energy Lab Cambodia in partnership with co-founders Australia and the United Nations Development Programme, and with co-funders Australia through its flagship economic development programme, the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED), and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and SWITCH to Solar Project — funded by European Union (EU) through the SWITCH -Asia Programme and the Czech Republic through the Czech Development Agency (CzDA).
This year’s event is crucial as Cambodia has been advancing its clean energy opportunities in recent years, with a strong commitment to delivering energy system security, reliability and cost-effectiveness.
The sixth edition of the Clean Energy Week aligns with these efforts and is poised to advance progress with a focus on energy security and the associated economic and social benefits of clean energy.
The country’s significant clean energy resource potential (particularly solar and wind) provides a pathway to (1) drive economic development and (2) mitigate uncertainties associated with global disruptions to energy markets.
By transitioning to clean energy, Cambodia can create jobs, reduce poverty, improve health and education outcomes, and promote social equity.
Key highlights of Clean Energy Week 2023 will be high-level workshops, Clean Energy Showcase, Student and community engagement and Site visits and fun run.
“I am delighted Australia is continuing its sponsorship of Clean Energy Week again this year. Australia is working to support Cambodia’s clean energy transition goals. Clean energy offers economic opportunity and can also support Cambodia’s energy security and pathway to carbon neutrality,” said H.E. Justin Whyatt, Australian Ambassador to Cambodia.
“Through our flagship economic development programme, CAPRED, Australia will support Cambodia to increase the uptake of variable renewable energy, support professional development of energy officials, connect remote Cambodians to off-grid solar, and support energy efficiency through an ESCO market,” he added.
New Zealand Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Jonathan Kings commented that “New Zealand is pleased to be able to support the delivery of this year’s Clean Energy Week. This event will provide an opportunity to share knowledge, innovation and best practice on clean energy from those closely involved in Cambodia’s journey to a low emissions future.”
“Cooperation on our common aspirations of limiting the impacts of climate change is a key priority for New Zealand’s support to Cambodia. We are proud to be able to support Cambodia on this goal, not only through this event, but also through our support to climate resilient agriculture and effective management of water resources.”
The Resident Representative of UNDP Cambodia, Ms. Alissar Chaker, said “UNDP is committed to advancing the just transformation of energy systems through an integrated agenda focused on policy, technology, and financial shifts that shape sustainable economic development in the Kingdom in line with its priorities and ambitions.
The event is expected to attract a diverse audience, including policymakers, industry professionals, investors, and academics, with the shared goal of accelerating Cambodia’s clean energy transition.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse
