Cambodia Hits 2035 Solar Target a Decade Early

Cambodia has quietly become a solar success story, installing nearly 1.5 gigawatts of solar capacity and racing past targets it didn't expect to hit until 2035.

The country's Power Development Master Plan set modest goals: 1 gigawatt by 2030 and 1.3 gigawatts by 2035. Instead, Cambodia reached its 2025 target a full year early and kept building.

Solar panels now generate more than 10% of Cambodia's electricity, a milestone that seemed distant just a few years ago. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis reports that several projects finishing in 2026 will add nearly 400 megawatts more, pushing total capacity to 1.87 gigawatts by year's end.

The momentum keeps building. The massive 930-megawatt Chheu Tom Solar Complex could push the country beyond 2 gigawatts of clean energy capacity.

Cambodia imported about 1 gigawatt worth of solar panels from China in 2025 alone, with March 2026 setting a monthly record of 422 megawatts. That's enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes.

The government recently sweetened the deal by slashing import taxes on solar and energy storage equipment from 15% to zero. One manufacturer estimates this could cut installation costs by up to 30%, making solar even more affordable for the nation of 17 million people.

The Ripple Effect

Cambodia's solar surge shows what happens when countries commit to clean energy and follow through. The nation has pledged that 70% to 80% of its energy capacity will come from renewable sources by 2030 and joined the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative.

This matters beyond Cambodia's borders. The country faces some of Asia's highest electricity costs, and cheaper solar power means more affordable electricity for families and businesses alike.

Manufacturers and large companies especially benefit from access to low-cost, low-carbon electricity. As solar becomes cheaper and more abundant, Cambodia becomes more competitive for businesses looking for sustainable production locations.

The success demonstrates that developing nations don't have to choose between economic growth and environmental responsibility. Cambodia is achieving both, one solar panel at a time, proving that ambitious climate goals paired with smart policy can deliver results faster than anyone expected.