Cambodia: Cambodia Solar Power Project

Nonsovereign Project | 50248-001

The Project involved the construction and operation of the first utility-scale solar power project in Cambodia with capacity of 10 MWp DC. The Project is located in Bavet City, Svay Rieng Province, near the border with Viet Nam. The Project went through an international competitive bidding process which sought public-private partnerships that were transparent, competitive, and provide a level playing field. The Project is therefore expected to unlock Cambodias underutilized renewable energy resources and set an important precedent in the renewable energy sector in the country. A consortium led by Sunseap, a leading solar developer from Singapore, won the bid with a highly competitive tariff which was lower than the estimated average electricity supply cost in Cambodia. Commercial operations started in October 2017.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Gulshan, Karan Raj
    Private Sector Operations Department
    Request for information
  • Country
    Cambodia
  • Sector
    • Energy
Project Name Cambodia Solar Power Project
Project Number 50248-001
Borrower/Company Sunseap Asset (Cambodia) Co. Ltd.
Country Cambodia
Location Bavet
Type or Modality of Assistance
3495 Loan Ordinary capital resources USD 3.60 million Committed
7498 Loan Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia I USD 3.25 million Committed
80 B-Loan Other USD 3.00 million Committed
Strategic Agendas Environmentally sustainable growth
Inclusive economic growth
Drivers of Change Partnerships
Private sector development
Sector / Subsector

Energy / Renewable energy generation - solar
Gender Equity and Mainstreaming No gender elements
Responsible ADB Department Private Sector Operations Department
Responsible ADB Division Portfolio Management Division, PSOD
Responsible ADB Officer Gulshan, Karan Raj
Project Sponsor(s) SchneiTec Co. Ltd.
Sunseap International Pte. Ltd
Description The Project involved the construction and operation of the first utility-scale solar power project in Cambodia with capacity of 10 MWp DC. The Project is located in Bavet City, Svay Rieng Province, near the border with Viet Nam. The Project went through an international competitive bidding process which sought public-private partnerships that were transparent, competitive, and provide a level playing field. The Project is therefore expected to unlock Cambodias underutilized renewable energy resources and set an important precedent in the renewable energy sector in the country. A consortium led by Sunseap, a leading solar developer from Singapore, won the bid with a highly competitive tariff which was lower than the estimated average electricity supply cost in Cambodia. Commercial operations started in October 2017.
Objectives and Scope The project is the first utility-scale solar power plant in Cambodia, and the first competitively tendered renewable energy IPP project in the country. ADB's leading role in the financing package of the project will help demonstrate the benefits of increasing Cambodia's power supply through low-cost PPP arrangements from indigenous, renewable energy sources; and signal to the government, investors, and international financiers that private sector-led infrastructure investments can be undertaken successfully in a transparent manner, at a competitive price, and with a sound financing package.
Status of Operation/Construction The project started construction in September 2016, started generation on 30 August 2017, and achieved commercial operation on 1 October 2017.
Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy The project is aligned with ADB's country partnership strategy, 2014 2018 for Cambodia, and ADB's Energy Policy.
Safeguard Categories
Environment B
Involuntary Resettlement C
Indigenous Peoples C
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects An initial environmental and social examination (IESE) has been prepared for the project. The project site is far from environment-sensitive areas and is largely surrounded by rice fields. Construction-related impacts such as an increase in dust and noise levels, and occupational and community health and safety risks, are not expected to be significant, given the short duration of the construction phase and the availability of readily implementable mitigation measures.
Involuntary Resettlement All land required for the project site has been purchased from the sellers through negotiated settlement on a willing-buyer willing-seller basis. An overhead transmission line for electricity evacuation will use an existing canal and roadside right-of-way, which has been planned to avoid involuntary displacement impacts.
Indigenous Peoples The project has no distinct and vulnerable indigenous peoples groups in the area that have the potential to be directly or indirectly affected by the project.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation Information disclosure and consultation with affected people were conducted in accordance with ADB requirements.
Timetable for assistance design, processing and implementation
Concept Clearance 26 Jul 2016
Credit Committee Meeting 27 Oct 2016
Approval 07 Dec 2016
Last PDS Update 05 Aug 2021

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

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Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

Title Document Type Document Date
Cambodia Solar Power Project: Environmental and Social Monitoring Report (January-December 2019) Environmental and Social Monitoring Reports Dec 2019
Cambodia Solar Power Project: Environmental and Social Monitoring Report (January-December 2018) Environmental and Social Monitoring Reports Dec 2018
Cambodia Solar Power Project: Environmental and Social Monitoring Report (May-December 2017) Environmental and Social Monitoring Reports Dec 2017
Cambodia Solar Power Project: Initial Environmental and Social Examination Report Environment and Social Impact Assessments Oct 2016

Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

None currently available.

Related Publications

None currently available.

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