A solar mini-grid in in Phi village, home to members of the Jarai indigenous community, along the Sesan River in Ratanakiri province on December 2023. UNDP Cambodia
In a collaborative effort, the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) are working to bring electricity mini-grids to ethnic minority communities in the remote regions of Ratanakkiri province, aiming to address climate change challenges.
According to a UNDP press release on December 24, the government has made significant strides in providing electricity over the past decade, increasing accessibility from just 6.6 per cent in 2000 to 98.87 per cent in 2023.
Despite this progress, 160 villages in “hard-to-reach” areas still lack access to the electricity grid, as designated by the Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC).
UNDP noted that these off-grid villages predominantly rely on expensive and unreliable solar systems and rechargeable batteries. To address this, renewable energy mini-grid systems, primarily solar-powered, emerge as a fitting and eco-friendly solution to achieve universal electrification and mitigate climate change impacts.
“Now, operational mini-grids are bringing reliable electricity to homes in remote off-grid communities in Ratanakkiri. Once-dark evenings are now illuminated with streetlights, enhancing the safety of villages. Residents can charge their mobile phones, enjoy radio broadcasts, watch television and cook using electric cookers,” it said.
UNDP resident representative Alissar Chaker said that empowering vulnerable groups and communities through access to electricity is pivotal in enhancing their livelihoods and economic opportunities.
“Our goal is to support the 160 remote villages currently facing challenges in obtaining electricity, ensuring they have access to electricity so that no one is left behind,” she said.
According to UNDP, having electricity has also opened up new economic opportunities for women and girls, enhancing livelihoods and health and notably influencing youth and their education. Additionally, it aids them in expanding and managing food production businesses.
The state-run Electricity of Cambodia (EDC), through its Rural Electrification Fund (REF), has supported the use of solar power systems at home to provide electricity to communities lacking access. UNDP complements this effort by installing solar mini-grids in homes in remote areas.
