Phnom Penh (FN), April 5 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen called on effective policy formulation to ensure safe energy production with minimized impacts on environment, addressing at the cabinet meeting on Friday at the Peace Palace.

According to the Premier, environmentalists always block the construction of hydropower and energy production. He urged the green groups to balance between environmental conservation and energy security in response to human needs and Cambodia’s development.

The today’s cabinet meeting also discusses investment on the 80MW Stung Pursat hydropower project and 60MW hydropower project in Kompong Chhnang.

“Cambodia successfully ensures food security. Next is energy security. Our policy shall be effective. We need to balance conservation and development,” government spokesman Phay Siphan quoted the Premier.

“It is prerequisite for Cambodia to produce energy in response to the needs of Cambodian people and the growth of investment in the kingdom,” the Premier spoke before his ministers.

The meeting also requested for the ratifications on Agreements between Cambodia and Bangladesh, Cambodia and United Arab Emirates, and Cambodia and Turkey on mutual investment protection and promotion.

The electricity shortages Cambodia faces resulted from the booming of construction sector, an increase of 700% in 2019 compared to last year. Cities in the capital Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville used to require only 20MW, now 100MW is not enough for those cities.

Prime Minister underlined that energy security is Cambodia’s priority in fulfilling demands of the people and development of the kingdom.
=FRESH NEWS