CEW 2025 underscored Cambodia’s strides in renewable energy, highlighting initiatives that not only benefit the country but also position it as a frontrunner in Southeast Asia’s energy transformation. Photo provided.
PHNOM PENH—Cambodia’s Clean Energy Week (CEW), the nation’s foremost event focused on renewable energy, concluded with a celebratory Toast to Clean Energy, culminating in the presentation of the Clean Energy Awards.
Celebrating its eighth year, CEW 2025 brought attention to Cambodia’s advancements in renewable energy. These developments are instrumental in strengthening the nation’s position as a burgeoning leader in Southeast Asia’s energy transition.
The week-long agenda was designed to explore how clean energy can bolster Cambodia’s established sectors like garment manufacturing and tourism, while simultaneously drawing substantial investment into energy-intensive and clean technology fields. The event featured engaging short documentaries by Cambodian students showcasing clean energy innovations and an exhibition of Solarpunk artwork created by Cambodians, alongside digital art from Southeast Asian artists.
Highlighting the significance of energy transition for Cambodia’s socio-economic growth, Mr. Natharoun Ngo Son, EnergyLab Regional Director, stated, “This year, we set a new path, to demonstrate that clean energy is not just a strong climate lever, but a powerful economic one as well. It will help Cambodia protect existing industries, while attracting new ones. It will promote faster adaptation to changing trade rules and increasing tariffs, while increasing competitiveness”.
Reflecting on the event, Australia’s Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Derek Yip remarked, “As a founding partner of Clean Energy Week, Australia is pleased to continue supporting Cambodia’s clean energy transition. CEW is an opportunity to celebrate Cambodia’s progress in expanding access to renewable energy and discuss the opportunities and challenges of the clean energy transition.”
A key highlight of CEW 2025 was the Clean Energy Awards, which honored notable contributions from individuals, organizations, and initiatives advancing Cambodia’s clean energy landscape. Awards spanned multiple categories, including the Clean Energy Champion Award, won by Dr. Kinnaleth Vongchanh, the Energy Efficiency Award, claimed by Sela Pepper Co., Ltd, and the Most Impactful Clean Energy Community Project, awarded to UNICEF.
The week concluded with a Toast to Clean Energy, celebrating the collaborative efforts propelling Cambodia’s clean energy initiatives forward. This closing event underscored the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strong dedication to steering the country towards a sustainable and resilient future.
CEW stands as Cambodia’s leading event devoted to promoting clean energy solutions. It provides a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and developing policies to expedite Cambodia’s clean energy transition. EnergyLab Asia organizes the event, in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia, and with the support of co-founders, Australia and the United Nations Development Program.
The UNDP has been instrumental in steering dialogues around innovation and policy solutions, including green finance and risk mitigation, to fast-track Cambodia’s transition to a sustainable energy future. UNDP is poised to continue its collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia to advance innovative financing and establish the conditions necessary for a low-carbon energy transition.
H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, emphasized, “The Royal Government of Cambodia has set ambitious commitments to diversifying our energy mix, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and accelerating clean and renewable energy sources. Cambodia has made significant progress in promoting environmental sustainability, while also expanding access to electricity and increasing the share of renewable energy, which increased from 0.3 percent in 2014 to over 50 percent in 2024. Moreover, Cambodia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) outlines a clear pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in five sectors. The energy sector, including energy transport, manufacturing, and construction, is one of the key milestones to mitigate greenhouse gas and promote green jobs and social inclusivity.”

For media inquiries, please contact:
Australian Embassy in Cambodia
EnergyLab Asia
Ms. Vipheavy Nhean, Communications and Outreach Manager
Original Story at cambodianess.com