20210930 Coal fired plant Cambodia main

Cambodia's shift toward coal power puts it at odds with the global embrace of renewables. (Source photos by AP) 

Cambodia counts the cost of its push to expand coal-fired power

Soaring coal prices and opposition from foreign business stoke doubts over plan

PHNOM PENH -- The potential cost of Cambodia's push to boost its reliance on coal power has increased sharply since it began to ramp up two years ago, prompting calls for the government to rethink and promote renewable energy.

As world leaders, banks and companies push to cut carbon emissions by shifting toward cleaner power, Cambodia has been moving in the opposite direction, with plans for new generation capacity and imports that will take fossil fuels from 56% of its grid to almost 75% within the next decade.

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