PULSE
......................NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2025
As we close out 2025, we're thrilled to celebrate the collective achievements we've made together and look forward to even more exciting developments ahead.
This year has been filled with meaningful progress—from empowering clean energy innovators and delivering cutting edge policy analysis to fostering partnerships that drive real impact. Each milestone reflects the dedication of our community, partners, and changemakers who believe in a sustainable future.
Throughout the year, we built Cambodia's clean energy workforce by welcoming 21 new Clean Energy Fellows to grow our network to 92 Fellows representing diverse sectors. We supported 18 interns through placements with leading companies, trained 10 journalists to accurately report on clean energy developments, and produced 3 critical policy reports on EV skills development, clean energy ambition, and renewable energy mapping.
EnergyLab Asia officially expanded operations to Laos, establishing our first Clean Energy Fellowship there and deploying analysis on maximising the country's renewable energy export potential. This expansion reflects our deepening commitment to accelerating clean energy adoption across Southeast Asia.
As we head into the new year, we're energised by the possibilities ahead. Together, we'll continue to accelerate the clean energy transition, support bold ideas, and create lasting change across the region.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to a season of rest, reflection, and renewed commitment to the work that matters most. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a bright, sustainable 2026!
At EnergyLab Asia, we believe it has never been more important to share clear information analysis about the energy transition. That’s why we’re proud to release three landmark reports that show Cambodia’s progress.
- A Clean Energy Progress Report: a vital summary of the status of key clean energy technologies in Cambodia.
- Balancing Promise and Complexities: a deep dive on the on the issues and complexities that need to be addressed as we move through Cambodia’s Energy Journey
- Unlocking Energy Efficiency in Cambodia: a clear picture of how we’re cutting energy use and driving efficiency.
Read the full report here
Solar Photovoltaic and Electric Vehicle Sectors in Cambodia
Waste is value waiting to be unlocked. Effective management of electronic and clean energy waste mitigates environmental harm while creating economic opportunities.
As Cambodia pursues 70% renewable energy and 770,000 EVs by 2030, clean energy waste will grow from 1.8% of total e-waste today to 7-9.5% by 2050.
However, the benefits of clean energy far outweigh these impacts. CE-waste growth should not slow the transition—but early preparation is essential to ensure today's green solutions don't become tomorrow's burden. At EnergyLab Asia, we’ve undertaken a detailed study to understand the scale and scope of CE-waste, and to chart a clear way to manage this.
Read the full report here
Worried that solar farms will eat up Cambodia's farmland? Our new analysis reveals the Kingdom has more than 200 times the land needed to meet its 2040 solar targets—without touching a single rice paddy.
Read the full report here and Our op-ed in Khmer Times
On 19 November, EnergyLab Asia and UNESCAP met with the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction to present our Building Energy Code Development Project. With multiple stakeholders — including the Asian Development Bank — supporting Cambodia's first National Building Code, ensuring strong alignment with the Ministry's vision was essential.
Cambodia's building sector is one of its largest and fastest-growing energy consumers. As urbanisation accelerates and rising temperatures drive cooling demand, energy use will surge. A robust Building Energy Code is critical to managing demand, reducing costs, and strengthening climate resilience. The meeting reinforced collaboration to ensure partner efforts remain aligned and complementary — accelerating Cambodia's transition to a sustainable, climate-resilient built environment.
The inaugural Lao PDR Clean Energy Conference brought together government officials, international partners, utilities, and private sector leaders in Vientiane to chart the country's sustainable energy future. The event highlighted strategic plans for solar, wind, and hydropower development, emphasized the importance of regional power trade and grid interconnections, and fostered critical partnerships to mobilize clean energy investment across Southeast Asia.
Read the full article here
EnergyLab Asia was excited to bring back the Clean Energy Internship (CEI), Cohort 7, this year. On October 26, 2025, we celebrated the achievements of 18 exceptional interns and extended our appreciation to the supervisors who supported them throughout their three-month internship journey.
The ceremony showcased the interns' professional growth and workplace learning experiences with partner organizations and companies across the clean energy sector. Throughout the program, the interns demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm and professionalism, expressing a strong commitment to continuing their careers in clean energy beyond this foundational experience.
On November 15, 2025, the Clean Energy Internship Gala Networking Night celebrated the journey of our 18 talented interns. The event brought together CEI alumni and supervisors from partner organizations, creating valuable opportunities to connect and strengthen our growing network.
The evening featured presentations from two current interns and a 2023 alumnus, who shared their CEI experiences and professional development. Supervisors offered insights on career pathways in the clean energy sector, while participants provided actionable feedback to shape the program's direction for 2026.
The Clean Energy Fellowship Laos concluded on 13 December 2025 with an incredible final session. Throughout the program, our 16 fellows explored the energy-climate nexus, energy efficiency, and emerging electro-technologies like solar, wind, batteries, and EVs. They also developed group projects promoting solar in agriculture and energy efficiency awareness across school-age demographics using social media.
This year's cohort of 16 fellows arrived as enthusiastic young professionals from diverse backgrounds and graduated as knowledgeable Clean Energy Ambassadors ready to drive the clean energy transition in their spheres of influence. We look forward to seeing the amazing impact they'll make.
