Phnom Penh (VNA) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved the second phase of Cambodia's Energy Transition Sector Development Programme (ETSDP) for 82.5 million USD, said its press release on October 7.
The programme aims to provide comprehensive support for the country's clean energy transition by combining policy reforms with investment projects in new technologies.
The first sub-programme, approved in 2022, introduced pivotal policy measures that guided the energy sector toward a more efficient and renewable development pathway, it said, adding that building on this foundation, sub-programme 2 advances regulatory reforms to strengthen the energy efficiency framework and enhance policy clarity to attract private sector investment.
A key milestone under the sub-programme is the introduction of the country's first set of regulations establishing Minimum Energy Performance Standards for electrical appliances, starting with air conditioners, which account for the largest share of energy consumption in the residential sector.
Sub-programme 2 will also establish an Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund aimed at facilitating access to finance for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in energy-efficient technologies. The revolving fund will be set up through a financial intermediation structure to enable local banks to extend loans to SMEs for energy efficiency investments. By mobilising domestic financial institutions and supporting SMEs, the revolving fund is expected to accelerate the nationwide scale-up of energy efficiency investments.
ADB acting country director for Cambodia Anthony Gill said the programme includes the goal of achieving 70% renewable energy in the power mix by 2030, along with a strong commitment to advancing energy efficiency, which is essential to ensure that Cambodia's growth remains both sustainable and affordable.
Sub-programme 2 will be followed by a third phase in 2027, which will further deepen reforms by expanding the energy efficiency regulatory framework and introducing technical standards for renewable energy, buildings, and industry to further attract private sector investment, the press release said./.
