PULSE
......................NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2026
Welcome to the first edition of Pulse for 2026 — and what a way to kick off the year!
This issue is all about building momentum — from the ground up. Whether it's laying the foundation for Cambodia's first Building Energy Code, graduating Laos' inaugural cohort of Clean Energy Fellows, or amplifying community voices at regional just transition convenings, our teams across the region are turning vision into action. We also reflect on the big ideas shaping the global energy landscape from the IEA Innovation Forum in Paris. We hope this issue leaves you feeling as energised as we do!
This issue is all about building momentum — from the ground up. Whether it's laying the foundation for Cambodia's first Building Energy Code, graduating Laos' inaugural cohort of Clean Energy Fellows, or amplifying community voices at regional just transition convenings, our teams across the region are turning vision into action. We also reflect on the big ideas shaping the global energy landscape from the IEA Innovation Forum in Paris. We hope this issue leaves you feeling as energised as we do!
Making Cambodia Building Energy Code a Reality
EnergyLab Asia is proud to support the development of Cambodia's first Building Energy Code — a landmark step toward a future where buildings across the country are more energy-efficient, more comfortable, and more affordable to operate, reducing electricity bills for families and businesses while lowering Cambodia's carbon footprint.
On January 26, EnergyLab Asia, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNECSAP) and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) — under the leadership of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) and the National Council for Building Technical Regulations (NCBTR) — co-organised an Inception Meeting to officially launch the Capacity Building and Support for Developing the Building Energy Code in Cambodia project.
The meeting brought together key national stakeholders to share the project's vision and objectives, present initial findings from the baseline review of Cambodia's building sector, and introduce practical, evidence-based international experience. Participants also identified priority research areas and offered valuable feedback that will help shape the work ahead.
Developing a Building Energy Code from scratch is a major milestone. To ensure it is practical, enforceable, and impactful, the process will require strong evidence, clear technical pathways, and broad stakeholder engagement — all of which this meeting helped set in motion.
We are deeply grateful for the leadership of MLMUPC and NCBTR, and we thank our partners and collaborators for their active participation and commitment. Together, we are laying the foundation for buildings that work better for the people who live and work in them — today and for generations to come.
EnergyLab Asia is proud to support the development of Cambodia's first Building Energy Code — a landmark step toward a future where buildings across the country are more energy-efficient, more comfortable, and more affordable to operate, reducing electricity bills for families and businesses while lowering Cambodia's carbon footprint.
On January 26, EnergyLab Asia, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNECSAP) and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) — under the leadership of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) and the National Council for Building Technical Regulations (NCBTR) — co-organised an Inception Meeting to officially launch the Capacity Building and Support for Developing the Building Energy Code in Cambodia project.
The meeting brought together key national stakeholders to share the project's vision and objectives, present initial findings from the baseline review of Cambodia's building sector, and introduce practical, evidence-based international experience. Participants also identified priority research areas and offered valuable feedback that will help shape the work ahead.
Developing a Building Energy Code from scratch is a major milestone. To ensure it is practical, enforceable, and impactful, the process will require strong evidence, clear technical pathways, and broad stakeholder engagement — all of which this meeting helped set in motion.
We are deeply grateful for the leadership of MLMUPC and NCBTR, and we thank our partners and collaborators for their active participation and commitment. Together, we are laying the foundation for buildings that work better for the people who live and work in them — today and for generations to come.
What's EnergyLab Laos Up To?
From graduating the country's first clean energy fellows to launching a new energy modelling initiative, EL Laos has had a busy start to the year — and there's plenty more in the pipeline.
The First Cohort of Lao Clean Energy Fellows Graduates
In December 2025, EL Laos marked a landmark moment: the graduation of its very first cohort of Lao Clean Energy Fellows. This enthusiastic group of young professionals completed the program equipped with deep clean energy knowledge and skills, and have now taken on the title of Clean Energy Ambassadors.
Cohort Two Is Already Underway!
The momentum hasn't slowed. A second cohort is already a third of the way through the 2026 edition of the Fellowship, continuing to build the next generation of Lao clean energy expertise.
Energy Modeling Project Launches
February 2026 saw the launch of a new energy modeling project, with an international expert mentoring a local team from Electricité du Laos (EDL), the National University of Laos (NUOL), and the private sector. The team will refine the PyPSA-EDL model and tackle energy policy and planning questions posed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) and EDL.
Clean Energy Day 2026 Is Coming
Preparations are underway for Clean Energy Day 2026, with ambitions to make it bigger and better than last year.
Exploring Battery Energy Storage
EL Laos will also explore the role of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), laying the groundwork for future deployment of this key technology in Lao PDR.
From graduating the country's first clean energy fellows to launching a new energy modelling initiative, EL Laos has had a busy start to the year — and there's plenty more in the pipeline.
The First Cohort of Lao Clean Energy Fellows Graduates
In December 2025, EL Laos marked a landmark moment: the graduation of its very first cohort of Lao Clean Energy Fellows. This enthusiastic group of young professionals completed the program equipped with deep clean energy knowledge and skills, and have now taken on the title of Clean Energy Ambassadors.
Cohort Two Is Already Underway!
The momentum hasn't slowed. A second cohort is already a third of the way through the 2026 edition of the Fellowship, continuing to build the next generation of Lao clean energy expertise.
Energy Modeling Project Launches
February 2026 saw the launch of a new energy modeling project, with an international expert mentoring a local team from Electricité du Laos (EDL), the National University of Laos (NUOL), and the private sector. The team will refine the PyPSA-EDL model and tackle energy policy and planning questions posed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) and EDL.
Clean Energy Day 2026 Is Coming
Preparations are underway for Clean Energy Day 2026, with ambitions to make it bigger and better than last year.
Exploring Battery Energy Storage
EL Laos will also explore the role of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), laying the groundwork for future deployment of this key technology in Lao PDR.
Innovation at a Crossroads: Energy's Paradox and What It Means for Southeast Asia
Regional Co-Director Dean Rizzetti attended the IEA's Innovation Forum in Paris, where global leaders tackled a pressing paradox: energy security has never mattered more, yet investment in the innovation needed to deliver it is shrinking. Read on for key takeaways — and what it means for countries like Cambodia and Laos.
Read more: https://energylab.asia/tpost/vgpdg8vrb1-iea-diary
More Than a Transition: Southeast Asia CSOs Unite for a Just and Empowering Energy Future
This Valentine's season, Energy Policy Manager Sokphalkun Out found something more meaningful than romance — collective action. She joined civil society leaders across Southeast Asia in the Philippines to tackle one of the region's most pressing challenges: ensuring the energy transition leaves no one behind. Read on for three key takeaways from the convening.
This Valentine's season, Energy Policy Manager Sokphalkun Out found something more meaningful than romance — collective action. She joined civil society leaders across Southeast Asia in the Philippines to tackle one of the region's most pressing challenges: ensuring the energy transition leaves no one behind. Read on for three key takeaways from the convening.
Read more: https://energylab.asia/tpost/9yxpg5fyx1-more-than-a-transition-southeast-asia-cs
Staff Spotlight: Samphorsphuong Korng - Skills Program Manager
With over five years of experience in skills development and employability, Samphorsphuong Korng joined EnergyLab Cambodia in January 2026 with a clear mission: to strengthen workforce readiness and career pathways in the clean energy sector.
Why Clean Energy?
Samphorsphuong's transition to clean energy was driven by a powerful realisation. "Through my work, I became increasingly interested in how green jobs can create sustainable livelihoods, especially for young people," she explains. "Clean energy offers both economic opportunity and environmental impact."
To her, clean energy means more than an industry shift—it's about creating opportunities that protect both people and the planet. "I see clean energy as a pathway to sustainable jobs for young people, innovation for communities, and long-term resilience for our country."
Samphorsphuong Korng
Building the Foundation
As Skills Program Manager, Samphorsphuong focuses on creating clear pathways from practical, market-driven training to real employment opportunities. She works closely with ministries, employers, educators, and other stakeholders to ensure skills development leads to meaningful jobs in emerging sectors.
She's particularly excited about EnergyLab's current work: "I'm proud to be part of the team documenting clean energy skills gaps and workforce needs. I believe we are among the first teams to focus specifically on workforce development for clean energy, helping lay the foundation for a stronger and more future-ready talent pipeline."
The internship program is especially close to her heart. "It empowers individuals with practical skills, real-world experience, and the confidence to shape their own future."
Outside of Work
Samphorsphuong enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading about personal and professional development, and listening to the Volts podcast, which covers clean energy trends and innovations.
As Skills Program Manager, Samphorsphuong focuses on creating clear pathways from practical, market-driven training to real employment opportunities. She works closely with ministries, employers, educators, and other stakeholders to ensure skills development leads to meaningful jobs in emerging sectors.
She's particularly excited about EnergyLab's current work: "I'm proud to be part of the team documenting clean energy skills gaps and workforce needs. I believe we are among the first teams to focus specifically on workforce development for clean energy, helping lay the foundation for a stronger and more future-ready talent pipeline."
The internship program is especially close to her heart. "It empowers individuals with practical skills, real-world experience, and the confidence to shape their own future."
Outside of Work
Samphorsphuong enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading about personal and professional development, and listening to the Volts podcast, which covers clean energy trends and innovations.
HOW CAN ENERGY EFFICIENCY HELP MANUFACTURING TO GROW?
Sokhleng, our Clean Energy Fellowship 2025 fellow, asks: How can energy efficiency help manufacturing to grow?
Sokhleng's thinkpiece explores how Cambodian factories can cut energy waste and boost efficiency through data-driven management systems, drawing insights from successful industrial energy reforms across the globe.
The solution? Adopting tools like ISO 50001, conducting regular energy audits, and aligning with global sustainability standards.
Read her thinkpiece: https://shorturl.at/Yxr1R
Sokhleng's thinkpiece explores how Cambodian factories can cut energy waste and boost efficiency through data-driven management systems, drawing insights from successful industrial energy reforms across the globe.
The solution? Adopting tools like ISO 50001, conducting regular energy audits, and aligning with global sustainability standards.
Read her thinkpiece: https://shorturl.at/Yxr1R
