China-funded power transmission line inaugurated in Cambodia

PREY VENG, Cambodia — A China-funded power transmission system was inaugurated here on Wednesday after three years' construction, officials said.

Cambodian Minister of Mines and Energy Suy Sem and Chinese Ambassador Xiong Bo jointly launched the 160-kilometers project.

According to a report by Keo Rattanak, director-general of Cambodia's state-owned Electricite du Cambodge, the project included two substations and a 115-kilovolt line stretching from southern Kandal province to southeastern Prey Veng and Svay Rieng provinces.

"The line is capable of transmitting 150 megawatts electric power in its first phase, and its capacity will be doubled in the future," he said.

He added that the project was built by the China National Heavy Machinery Corporation at the cost of $75 million which was a concessional loan from the Chinese government.

"This project is crucial to ensuring the supply of electric power with reliability, quality, stability and sustainability in these provinces," he said. "Hundreds of thousands of people in the three provinces will get benefit from it."

Suy Sem said the Southeast Asian country currently has 115 kV and 230 kV transmission lines in a total length of 1,525 km.

He added that the electric power supply available in 2016 was 2,008 mWs, including 1,592 mWs taken from hydropower plants, coal-fired power plants, oil-fueled power plants, and solar power plants, and 416 mWs imported from Vietnam, Thailand and Laos.

"The development of electric power sources and national grid is a key element for boosting economic development and reducing poverty," he said.

"The inauguration of the 115 kV power transmission line today is another testament to the fruitful cooperation between Cambodia and China," the minister said.

Most of electric power sources and transmission lines in Cambodia have been developed by Chinese firms.

Ambassador Xiong said China is pleased to see the Chinese enterprises actively engaging in the development of electric power sources and national grid in Cambodia.

"We believe that these achievements will greatly contribute to economic growth and living conditions for the Cambodian people," he said.

Meanwhile, Xiong said that under the Belt and Road Initiative, China will continue to support Cambodia in all fields, especially in the development of connectivity infrastructure.