The Cambodian state utility Electricité du Cambodge has launched the request for proposal (RFP) to six consultancy firms to advise on the 60 MW initial phase of the 100 MW National Solar Park project after a more than a four-month appraisal. 

The project involves the installation of a power plant in Kampong Chhnang Province, related facilities and a power transmission system connecting to the main grid near Phnom Penh. The PV capacity will be added in two phases, of 60 MW and 40 MW, respectively.

In early June 2019, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$7.64 million loan to support the construction of the project. In addition to ADB’s loan, the financing package for the National Solar Park Project includes a US$11 million loan and a US$3 million grant from the Strategic Climate Fund, specifically through the Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program. Also included is a US$500,000 technical assistance grant provided by the Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund to support the capacity development of Electricite du Cambodge (EDC), Cambodia's national electricity utility, as well as the Electricity Authority of Cambodia, the national electricity regulator, in solar photovoltaic technology and solar park planning. ADB will administer these resources. The project was prepared with grants from the governments of Canada and Singapore.

The solar power plants that will be part of the 100 MW solar park will be bid out to independent power producers in two phases. ADB’s Office of Public-Private Partnership is working as a transaction advisor to assist EDC to design and conduct an open and competitive bidding process.