The China Machine-Building International Corporation (CMIC) – affiliated to Sinomach subsidiary CNEG – has signed a cooperation agreement with Cambodia’s SNTP Company on providing electricity in Preah Sihanouk province, according to a company press release.

Lu Wenjun, CNEG chairman, said that the agreement on a grid substation and transmission line project in Sihanoukville was signed last week in the Chinese capital Beijing.

He promised that CMIC will put the best technology and management into the project to ensure smooth progress.

“The project will greatly relieve local power shortages and further boost the kingdom’s economic development as well,” said Mr Lu.

According to the press release, the project will include the construction of two new Gas Insulated Substations, a new 27km 230kV and 115kV transmission line, as well as the expansion of a current substation.

However, the company did not disclose any details on the project’s timeline, value or its exact location.

The influx of Chinese investors in Sihnaoukville has boosted electric power demand in the province in recent years.

Ministry of Mines and Energy Spokesman Victor Jona told The Post that this project will help meet rising electricity demands in the province.

“This project will help to fulfill increase demand of investors,” he said.

According to Jona, the project will connect to a transmission line from the coal-fired power plant in the province’s Stueng Hav district.

“The grid substation will transmit electric power from the plant to supply the whole province,” he said.

Kheang Phearum, Preah Sihanouk provincial spokesman, said the project will benefit 220,000 people in the province, including Chinese investors.

“If electric supply meets demand, it’s more attractive for investors to come to our province,” he said.

Currently there are two coal power plants operating in the province. One is operated by Cambodia International Investment Development Group and another by Malaysia’s Leader Universal Holdings.