New Koh Kong dams under discussion

The Russey Chrum dam in Koh Kong. KT/Chea Vannak

The China Huadian Corporation, who currently operates a 338-megawatt hydropower dam on the Russey Chrum River in Koh Kong, is now conducting negotiations with the government to build two more dams in the province.

Feasibility studies for the new dams – which would be located in Stung Veal Thmor Kambot and Stung Russie Chrum Kandal rivers – have been finished and they have shown positive results, said He Yaofeng, a representative of China Huadian.

The new projects were unveiled on Sunday during a visit to the proposed dam sites which included local government officials as well as neighbours from the surrounding areas.

“Cambodia has great potential for power generation, so we wanted to conclude these studies as soon as possible,” Mr He said, adding that the company has also considered solar energy projects but has shied away from pursuing them as the technology remains too expensive.

The Stung Veal Thmor Kambot dam will have a capacity of 100 megawatts, while the Stung Russie Chrum Kandal dam will be able to produce 70 megawatts, Mr He said.

Victor Jona, director-general of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said the feasibility studies show the projects have potential, but stressed that more time is needed to consider them and negotiate with China Huadian.

“The next step is to analyse the studies in more detail,” Mr Jona said, adding that a joint assessment by the Ministry of Mine and Energy and the Ministry of Environment will be conducted soon to evaluate the projects.

The Stung Veal Thmor Kambot project will be able to produce more power and has a greater chance of being green-lighted, Mr Jona said.

Koh Kong vice-governor Chhun Ravuth welcomed the proposed dams.

“If we can produce more electricity, that will always be good for the people, particularly for businesses,” she said. “It is not just good for the people in Koh Kong; it’s good for everyone in Cambodia.”

Power generated at China Huadian’s existing dam accounts for 10 to 15 percent of all energy consumed in the country, according to the company.

Khmer Times
Chea Vannak