Sunday, May 04, 2008

Cambodia seeks billions of dollars for 14 hydropower dams

May 4, 2008
DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodia is seeking private investment to build 14 new hydropower dams worth more than 3.2 billion dollars, according to a government report obtained Sunday.

The report entitled Prime Investment Information in Cambodia details potential private investment opportunities around the country, including hydroelectric dam construction.

According to the report, 14 dams of various sizes and capacities are estimated to be able to generate a minimum of 1,850 megawatts.

Four are also earmarked to provide irrigation, although all but two of the 14 are currently only at desk study stage.

Only one of the proposed sites is on the Mekong river at Sambor Falls in eastern Kratie province, according to the report, and the project there is listed in two stages.

But a government source said despite the tremendous potential of the Sambor dam, it may only go ahead if northern neighbour Laos builds controversial dams higher upstream which Cambodia fears will destroy its fisheries and leave it nothing to lose.

The report estimates Kratie, where the Mekong runs strong, is currently producing a capacity of 1,570 kilovolt-amperes but could potentially have a capacity of 2,290 with dams in place.

The rest of the proposed dams are dotted along various tributaries around the country.

Cambodia's rapid economic growth has caused it to outstrip its electricity supply, with rolling brown outs common in the capital, and many rural areas without power altogether.

The country is seeking ways to generate its own power and minimize the amount it has to buy from neighbouring countries.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thas's very very good news for Cambodian people, but who will benefit the most?

Anonymous said...

It's the freaking Viet that benefits the most because Viet slave HUN SEN subjects Cambodia and the Cambodian people to being Viet slave.

Hun Sen must be put on trial just like the rest of the Khmer Rouge (KR) and if found guilty must be put to death by the firing squad!

Anonymous said...

Much much luck to Cambodian people. Whatever the Khmers want to do with the corrupt leaders will be a future scenario. Bad leaders must be charged with all sorts of criminal activities. The Viets must be sent back to their origin. No need for them as friends. Because friends don't take advantage of friends. Viets are not friends to anyone.

Anonymous said...

i'm sure if one member of the mekong river country can do it, cambodia is opted to do the same, especially if it can generate electricity for the economically growing nation of cambodia.