First German training week a success

From February 18th 22nd the German Business Group Cambodia (ADW) and the Global Business Network (GBN) Programme co-facilitated the first German Training Week on project development. It was organized by the Project Development Programme (PDP), implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in the framework of the German Energy Solutions Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).

Selected participants had the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge on technical, commercial and legal aspects on how to develop rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. The training week further presented approaches to attract international investors, to meet lenders’ requirements, and to accelerate the realization of solar PV adoption in the Cambodian market.

Up to now, there are no specific targets for the development of renewable energy in Cambodia. A Power Development Master Plan exists, in which all planned electricity generation plants are listed. Until 2025 the focus is mainly set on Hydro Power Plants and Coal Fired Power Plants. In January 2018, the Electricity Authority EAC established a legal framework for Solar PV Systems. On-grid and off-grid systems have been officially legalized under certain framework conditions. Furthermore, technical standards for connecting and synchronizing Solar PV Systems with the grid have been set and a new electricity tariff structure has been introduced, which applies to customers who own a Solar PV system.

By implementing a legal framework for solar PV systems in Cambodia, investment security is given, which may contribute to further development of solar PV.