PHNOM PENH, September 17, 2015 — Businesses, financial institutions and civil society organizations from Cambodia’s clean energy sector met today to accelerate clean energy investment and share knowledge about Cambodia’s emerging industry trends in clean energy, particularly solar power.

With support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN-Asia) and the Enrich Institute brought together over 60 government officials, private sector representatives, international organizations and non-government organizations representatives in Cambodia to explore ways to promote clean energy investment and network among industry peers.

At the Enrich Forum on Sustainable Development under the theme, “Harnessing Clean Energy for Sustainable Development” in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, participants learned about emerging trends and alternatives in Cambodia’s clean energy market and shared strategies how to increase investment opportunities for local developers.

“The U.S. Government is pleased to be able to provide assistance through the USAID PFAN-Asia program to entrepreneurs and investors here in Cambodia,” said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Julie Chung. “We hope greater investments in clean energy will benefit large numbers of Cambodians and help protect our environment.”

Lower Mekong countries’ power development plans have traditionally been based conventional energy generation, without fully considering the potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency. 

Renewable energy and energy efficiency can provide reliable energy access, strengthen energy security, improve air quality and reduce health costs. Clean energy can also boost economic growth, reduce transnational conflict, promote food security and biodiversity and potentially reduce direct energy costs.

This event is part of USAID PFAN-Asia’s efforts to promote awareness on clean energy development in Cambodia as well as explore financing options available for clean energy projects and offer a networking opportunity for clean energy project developers and financers.