PULSE
......................NEWSLETTER | JUNE 2026
Big things are happening for clean energy in Cambodia — and we're thrilled to bring you the highlights!
From a milestone meeting with the Ministry of Mines and Energy to a game-changing global first (renewables just overtook coal worldwide!), this issue is packed with momentum. We're also diving into how clean energy can supercharge Cambodia's garment sector, recapping powerful conversations at ASEAN for the Peoples Week and the AIPA-Cambodia Parliamentary Conference, and celebrating real progress on the Building Energy Code. Plus, meet our newest crop of Clean Energy Interns, get the scoop on the Clean Energy Awards 2026, and get to know the inspiring Sonita Chin in this month's Staff Spotlight.
It's been quite a few months. Let's dive in!
From a milestone meeting with the Ministry of Mines and Energy to a game-changing global first (renewables just overtook coal worldwide!), this issue is packed with momentum. We're also diving into how clean energy can supercharge Cambodia's garment sector, recapping powerful conversations at ASEAN for the Peoples Week and the AIPA-Cambodia Parliamentary Conference, and celebrating real progress on the Building Energy Code. Plus, meet our newest crop of Clean Energy Interns, get the scoop on the Clean Energy Awards 2026, and get to know the inspiring Sonita Chin in this month's Staff Spotlight.
It's been quite a few months. Let's dive in!
Clean Energy as a powerful advantage for Cambodia’s Garment Industry
EnergyLab Asia is thrilled to present our new report on one of the region's biggest clean energy opportunities: powering up Cambodia's garment industry.
Cambodia's garment sector is the beating heart of the national economy, employing close to one million workers and generating USD 13.74 billion in exports, or 52% of the country's total export GDP. And now major international brands are requiring 100% renewable electricity across their supply chains by 2030.
As global brands accelerate their climate commitments, Cambodia has a clear opportunity to harness its clean energy advantage, strengthen its garment sector, and sharpen its competitive edge across the region.
Our new report highlights where existing factories stand today on the road to 2030 decarbonisation and electrification, and how the right solutions can power the government's own ambitions for this vital sector.
Three Policy Moves That Can Get Cambodia There
The Bottom Line
Cambodia is at a genuine inflection point. With the right policy signals, a looming compliance deadline can become a lasting competitive advantage, securing investment, protecting jobs, and cementing Cambodia's place as a regional leader in sustainable manufacturing.
Read the full report to explore the data, the barriers, and the roadmap ahead.
EnergyLab Asia is thrilled to present our new report on one of the region's biggest clean energy opportunities: powering up Cambodia's garment industry.
Cambodia's garment sector is the beating heart of the national economy, employing close to one million workers and generating USD 13.74 billion in exports, or 52% of the country's total export GDP. And now major international brands are requiring 100% renewable electricity across their supply chains by 2030.
As global brands accelerate their climate commitments, Cambodia has a clear opportunity to harness its clean energy advantage, strengthen its garment sector, and sharpen its competitive edge across the region.
Our new report highlights where existing factories stand today on the road to 2030 decarbonisation and electrification, and how the right solutions can power the government's own ambitions for this vital sector.
Three Policy Moves That Can Get Cambodia There
- Continue to Progress RECs
- Explore options to tailor Cambodia’s RTS requirements
- Assess the feasibility of Corporate PPAs
The Bottom Line
Cambodia is at a genuine inflection point. With the right policy signals, a looming compliance deadline can become a lasting competitive advantage, securing investment, protecting jobs, and cementing Cambodia's place as a regional leader in sustainable manufacturing.
Read the full report to explore the data, the barriers, and the roadmap ahead.
EnergyLab Asia Meets with Minister of Mines and Energy to Advance Cambodia's Clean Energy Transition
In May, EnergyLab Asia met with His Excellency Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, and his team at the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME). The meeting marked a significant milestone in EnergyLab–MME engagement, bringing both parties together to explore collaboration on accelerating Cambodia's clean energy transition and strengthening its energy security.
We discussed a renewed partnership with MME, building on the opportunity to support Cambodia in harnessing clean energy and decreasing its vulnerability to the ongoing global energy crisis. We look forward to developing concrete work that will strengthen the country's energy security and long-term economic resilience.
EnergyLab shared updates on its flagship initiatives spanning electric mobility, energy building codes, clean energy manufacturing, workforce skills development, and the intersection of clean energy with key economic sectors like garments and agriculture. These programs reflect EnergyLab's broader mission: ensuring Cambodia's clean energy transition is not just environmentally sound, but economically strategic — attracting investment, building local capacity, improving industrial competitiveness, and guarding against global shocks.
In May, EnergyLab Asia met with His Excellency Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, and his team at the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME). The meeting marked a significant milestone in EnergyLab–MME engagement, bringing both parties together to explore collaboration on accelerating Cambodia's clean energy transition and strengthening its energy security.
We discussed a renewed partnership with MME, building on the opportunity to support Cambodia in harnessing clean energy and decreasing its vulnerability to the ongoing global energy crisis. We look forward to developing concrete work that will strengthen the country's energy security and long-term economic resilience.
EnergyLab shared updates on its flagship initiatives spanning electric mobility, energy building codes, clean energy manufacturing, workforce skills development, and the intersection of clean energy with key economic sectors like garments and agriculture. These programs reflect EnergyLab's broader mission: ensuring Cambodia's clean energy transition is not just environmentally sound, but economically strategic — attracting investment, building local capacity, improving industrial competitiveness, and guarding against global shocks.
Clean power just had its biggest year yet!
In 2025, the world added more clean electricity than it added demand, with fossil generation fall for the first time since 2020. Solar did most of the work, growing 30% and covering 75% of new global demand alone. Add wind, and the two sources met 99% of new demand.
The result: renewables (33.8%) overtook coal (33.0%) in the global power mix for the first time in over a century, and even China and India, the world's two biggest fossil power users, saw fossil generation drop.
Read the full report from Ember: https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/global-electricity-review-2026/
In 2025, the world added more clean electricity than it added demand, with fossil generation fall for the first time since 2020. Solar did most of the work, growing 30% and covering 75% of new global demand alone. Add wind, and the two sources met 99% of new demand.
The result: renewables (33.8%) overtook coal (33.0%) in the global power mix for the first time in over a century, and even China and India, the world's two biggest fossil power users, saw fossil generation drop.
Read the full report from Ember: https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/global-electricity-review-2026/
What does energy resilience actually mean for Southeast Asia?
At ASEAN for the Peoples Week 2026 in Cebu, the conversations were candid, the stakes were high, and the challenge of turning vision into implementation was clear. Here's what stood out from the ASEAN Power Grid to Cambodia's own energy story, through the eyes of our Energy Policy Manager and Government Relations, Ms. Sokphalkun Out.
From the geopolitics of ASEAN+3 energy partnerships to the four lessons Cambodia's own electrification journey offers the region, this piece traces the throughline connecting a poly-crisis backdrop to the practical, on-the-ground work of building energy resilience. It's a reminder that regional frameworks and national targets only matter as much as the institutions built to deliver on them.
Read the full article: https://energylab.asia/.../xefa1mhjn1-asean-for-the...
At ASEAN for the Peoples Week 2026 in Cebu, the conversations were candid, the stakes were high, and the challenge of turning vision into implementation was clear. Here's what stood out from the ASEAN Power Grid to Cambodia's own energy story, through the eyes of our Energy Policy Manager and Government Relations, Ms. Sokphalkun Out.
From the geopolitics of ASEAN+3 energy partnerships to the four lessons Cambodia's own electrification journey offers the region, this piece traces the throughline connecting a poly-crisis backdrop to the practical, on-the-ground work of building energy resilience. It's a reminder that regional frameworks and national targets only matter as much as the institutions built to deliver on them.
Read the full article: https://energylab.asia/.../xefa1mhjn1-asean-for-the...
Harnessing Clean Energy for Climate Goals: EnergyLab Asia at the AIPA–Cambodia Parliamentary Conference
EnergyLab Asia was pleased to be invited by the Cambodia National Assembly, the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), and Hon. Louis Ng, former Singaporean Member of Parliament, to speak at the AIPA–Cambodia National Parliamentary Conference on Climate Governance on 26 May 2026. Our Country Director, Natharoun Ngo Son, discussed Cambodia’s progress in the clean energy transition and how Cambodians can harness clean energy to improve economic competitiveness while meeting the country's climate goals.
Building Energy Code: Cambodia's Next Step Takes Shape
On 16 June, Cambodia's National Council for Building Technical Regulation (NCBTR), with support from EnergyLab Asia and UN ESCAP, convened roundtables on the country's forthcoming Building Energy Code (BEC), chaired by H.E. Dr. MOM Mony, Secretary General of the NCBTR.
The code would close one of the last gaps in ASEAN, where most neighbours already regulate building energy performance — ensuring new buildings are cheaper to run, more comfortable, and built to hold their value for decades.
Developers and financiers got their first look at the BEC roadmap, meeting it with enthusiasm. A highlight was the presentation from Mr. Mark Low from ISI Land on data-driven, passive-cooling design — proof that strong energy and financial performance can go hand in hand. Building on last year's session, the gathering also brought together MME, ITC, and partners including ADB, GGGI, GIZ, UNDP, WWF, ACE, and GERES to align efforts as the code moves toward delivery.
The takeaway: a well-designed BEC is among Cambodia's most cost-effective tools for easing pressure on the power grid. EnergyLab's Expert Paper estimates it could unlock billions of dollars a year by mid-century, while making buildings healthier and more comfortable.
On 16 June, Cambodia's National Council for Building Technical Regulation (NCBTR), with support from EnergyLab Asia and UN ESCAP, convened roundtables on the country's forthcoming Building Energy Code (BEC), chaired by H.E. Dr. MOM Mony, Secretary General of the NCBTR.
The code would close one of the last gaps in ASEAN, where most neighbours already regulate building energy performance — ensuring new buildings are cheaper to run, more comfortable, and built to hold their value for decades.
Developers and financiers got their first look at the BEC roadmap, meeting it with enthusiasm. A highlight was the presentation from Mr. Mark Low from ISI Land on data-driven, passive-cooling design — proof that strong energy and financial performance can go hand in hand. Building on last year's session, the gathering also brought together MME, ITC, and partners including ADB, GGGI, GIZ, UNDP, WWF, ACE, and GERES to align efforts as the code moves toward delivery.
The takeaway: a well-designed BEC is among Cambodia's most cost-effective tools for easing pressure on the power grid. EnergyLab's Expert Paper estimates it could unlock billions of dollars a year by mid-century, while making buildings healthier and more comfortable.
The Clean Energy Internship Program (CEI) 2026 is officially underway!
This year, 31 talented young people are taking their first steps toward careers in Cambodia's growing clean energy sector. Through the Clean Energy Internship Program, interns will gain hands-on experience, industry exposure, and professional skills that prepare them for the workforce and support Cambodia's clean energy transition.
The journey began in early June with a program orientation that introduced interns to the program and Cambodia’s clean energy landscape and emerging opportunities in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle sectors. Interns built the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the workplace through the training on leadership, communication, problem-solving, and time management. To complement their learning, interns visited VeryWords to gain first-hand exposure to Cambodia’s electric vehicle industry, engaging with industry professionals and exploring the technologies driving sustainable transportation. Together, the orientation, soft skills training, and industry visit helped prepare interns to be workplace-ready and make the most of their internship experience.
At CEI 2026, participants don't just learn about clean energy—they step into it. By combining technical knowledge, real-world industry exposure, and workplace experience, the program helps build the next generation of clean energy professionals who will contribute to a more sustainable future for Cambodia.
We are excited to follow their journey and celebrate their achievements in the months ahead.
This year, 31 talented young people are taking their first steps toward careers in Cambodia's growing clean energy sector. Through the Clean Energy Internship Program, interns will gain hands-on experience, industry exposure, and professional skills that prepare them for the workforce and support Cambodia's clean energy transition.
The journey began in early June with a program orientation that introduced interns to the program and Cambodia’s clean energy landscape and emerging opportunities in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle sectors. Interns built the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the workplace through the training on leadership, communication, problem-solving, and time management. To complement their learning, interns visited VeryWords to gain first-hand exposure to Cambodia’s electric vehicle industry, engaging with industry professionals and exploring the technologies driving sustainable transportation. Together, the orientation, soft skills training, and industry visit helped prepare interns to be workplace-ready and make the most of their internship experience.
At CEI 2026, participants don't just learn about clean energy—they step into it. By combining technical knowledge, real-world industry exposure, and workplace experience, the program helps build the next generation of clean energy professionals who will contribute to a more sustainable future for Cambodia.
We are excited to follow their journey and celebrate their achievements in the months ahead.
Clean Energy Awards 2026 🌱⚡
Clean Energy Week 2026 is coming soon! To celebrate Cambodia's clean energy accelerators, EnergyLab Asia is delighted to announce the Clean Energy Awards 2026. The Awards recognise and celebrate the charge-makers driving Cambodia's transition to clean energy, across three categories: the Clean Energy Champion Award, Cleantech Award, and Energy Efficiency Award.
Know someone making a difference — or is it you? Nominate yourself or another individual, project, or organisation here: https://docs.google.com/forms/cleanenergyawards
Deadline: 9th August 2026
Don't miss your chance to put Cambodia's clean energy leaders in the spotlight — nominate today! 🚀
Clean Energy Week 2026 is coming soon! To celebrate Cambodia's clean energy accelerators, EnergyLab Asia is delighted to announce the Clean Energy Awards 2026. The Awards recognise and celebrate the charge-makers driving Cambodia's transition to clean energy, across three categories: the Clean Energy Champion Award, Cleantech Award, and Energy Efficiency Award.
Know someone making a difference — or is it you? Nominate yourself or another individual, project, or organisation here: https://docs.google.com/forms/cleanenergyawards
Deadline: 9th August 2026
Don't miss your chance to put Cambodia's clean energy leaders in the spotlight — nominate today! 🚀
Staff Spotlight: Meet Sonita Chin, Clean Energy Program Manager - EnergyLab Asia
This month, we're shining the spotlight on Sonita Chin, our Clean Energy Program Manager at EnergyLab Asia!
Sonita's journey into clean energy wasn't a straight line. After completing her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, she admits she knew very little about the sector. It was during an internship at a conservation organization, while helping organize a talk show, that her curiosity was first sparked. That moment set her on a path to EnergyLab, where she's been growing her expertise in clean energy ever since.
In 2024, Sonita took a big step forward in her career when she received the Australia Awards Scholarship, going on to complete a Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with a specialization in sustainable energy, at the University of Queensland. Combined with her environmental science background, she now brings over four years of experience spanning project and event management, clean energy, startup development, green finance, climate change, and sustainable agriculture.
For Sonita, clean energy is more than just a profession. It's personal. As someone passionate about climate action, she sees clean energy as the key to powering our daily lives sustainably, with minimal impact on the planet.
Sonita's journey into clean energy wasn't a straight line. After completing her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, she admits she knew very little about the sector. It was during an internship at a conservation organization, while helping organize a talk show, that her curiosity was first sparked. That moment set her on a path to EnergyLab, where she's been growing her expertise in clean energy ever since.
In 2024, Sonita took a big step forward in her career when she received the Australia Awards Scholarship, going on to complete a Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with a specialization in sustainable energy, at the University of Queensland. Combined with her environmental science background, she now brings over four years of experience spanning project and event management, clean energy, startup development, green finance, climate change, and sustainable agriculture.
For Sonita, clean energy is more than just a profession. It's personal. As someone passionate about climate action, she sees clean energy as the key to powering our daily lives sustainably, with minimal impact on the planet.
Sonita Chin
Her role as Clean Energy Program Manager lets her live out that passion every day, combining professional growth with a deep sense of purpose in contributing to environmental protection.
One project she's especially proud of is the Clean Energy Fellowship program, which brought together young professionals from diverse backgrounds to explore the clean energy space. For Sonita, the strong turnout was a clear sign that interest in the sector is growing, and that the demand for skilled talent in Cambodia's energy transition is only getting stronger.
Outside of work, Sonita unwinds with movies and dramas. For fellow introverts looking for a good read, she recommends The Fine Art of Small Talk, a book packed with practical tips to help ease into conversations (though she's quick to note: practice makes perfect!).
And if she could wake up an expert in anything tomorrow? Sonita would choose to become a solar engineer, a nod to her growing interest in taking on a more technical role within the clean energy space.
One project she's especially proud of is the Clean Energy Fellowship program, which brought together young professionals from diverse backgrounds to explore the clean energy space. For Sonita, the strong turnout was a clear sign that interest in the sector is growing, and that the demand for skilled talent in Cambodia's energy transition is only getting stronger.
Outside of work, Sonita unwinds with movies and dramas. For fellow introverts looking for a good read, she recommends The Fine Art of Small Talk, a book packed with practical tips to help ease into conversations (though she's quick to note: practice makes perfect!).
And if she could wake up an expert in anything tomorrow? Sonita would choose to become a solar engineer, a nod to her growing interest in taking on a more technical role within the clean energy space.
- Cambodia just put a 500MW battery mega-project under environmental review — and it could be the missing piece that finally lets the country's solar boom power homes after dark. As Dean Rizzetti, energy policy director at EnergyLab Asia, put it: "Solar power is the cheapest form of electricity generation ever invented, but it's only available during part of the day." Read full article: Pursat's 500MW Battery Storage Project Reaches Environmental Review Stage
- Cambodia is bringing local banks into its clean energy push — easing reliance on foreign lenders to fund the renewables boom. Energy Minister Keo Rottanak: "In partnership with ADB, Cambodia will enter the third phase of its energy sector reforms in 2027, focusing on expanding energy efficiency regulatory frameworks and using technical standards for renewable energy, buildings, and industry." Read full article: Cambodia Partners with ADB to Expand Renewable Energy Financing Through Banks
- Cambodia's $13.74 billion textile industry stands at a defining moment. By embracing full electrification and renewable energy, the country could meet global fashion brands' 2030 green targets and become first garment-producing country running entirely on renewable energy, turning an industry challenge into a landmark opportunity for economic resilience and growth. Read full article Cambodia at the Energy Test: The Textile Industry Confronts Its Green Transition
- Solar-powered irrigation is transforming dry-season rice farming in Chhlong commune, Kratie province, where three pumping systems now support around 300 hectares of rice fields, enabling farmers to grow two to three crops a year and harvest up to seven tonnes per hectare. As fuel prices climb, more families are swapping generators for solar power—cutting costs and securing reliable water access. At EnergyLab Asia, we believe clean energy should reach every Cambodian, from cities to rice fields, and stories like this show just how powerful that shift can be. Read full article: Renewable energy-powered irrigation boosts rice farming in Kratie commune
- Cambodia's clean energy future is full of opportunity, and the workforce to power it is taking shape. A new EnergyLab Asia report spotlights one of the Kingdom's most exciting growth areas: clean energy jobs. Solar engineers, EV technicians, energy efficiency experts—tens of thousands of roles are emerging by 2030, and Cambodia is well-positioned to fill them. The roadmap is clear: modernise training, strengthen industry partnerships, and open doors for women and rural youth in the green economy. Cambodia isn't just transitioning to clean energy—it's building the generation of workers who will lead it. Read full article: Cambodia facing severe skills shortage in clean energy sector
