CAMBODIA: Kampong Thom - Results

Abstract of the analysis of DRE infrastructures and electrified villages in Kampong Thom Province - Cambodia


OBJECTIVES

  • obtain a clear identification of both favourable factors and barriers related to the establishment and operation of decentralized rural infrastructures,
  • be able to precisely identify the villages electrified by the power grid or by decentralised operators.

MAIN RESULTS

  • 12 Rural Electricity Enterprises servicing 5 189 households in the province.
  • Important role of 12 REEs in the provision of electricity in the rural areas.
  • Rural households not served by REEs typically rely on recharging batteries for electricity.
  • 2 of the 12 REEs using biomass gasification technology.
  • By the REEs biomass gasification and bio-diesel are considered to be the most suitable technologies for rural electrification of Kampong Thom province.
  • No renewable energy experts seem to be present in the province.
  • In Kampong Thom province, areas within a 40 km radius of the provincial main town are considered Potential Area for Grid Extension.
  • Outside these areas, electrification by mini-grids most promising option for areas with sufficient population density.
  • For (rural) areas with a low population density, electrification by batteries probably remain the only option for the short to medium term.
  • Population density will be a key indicator for determining the economic feasibility of different kinds of electricity system (mini-grid or batteries).

OPTIONS RECOMMENDED AND SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT PLANNING STEPS

  • Biomass fuelled mini-grids in areas with sufficient population density.
  • Solar PV systems (either Solar Home Systems or solar/biomass powered Battery Charging Stations) for electrification of areas with a low population density.
  • Population density will be a key indicator for determining the economic feasibility of different kinds of electricity system (mini-grid or batteries).
  • Combination of biofuel and PV mini-grids to meet variable load demands.
  • Detailed (provincial) maps of Kampong Thom indicating population density, renewable energy resources and land use should be drafted.
  • Identification of areas with potential for electrification by (biomass fuelled) mini-grids can be done based on the provincial maps followed by a more detailed field analysis of those areas, in order to confirm the feasibility of grid electrification.

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