Concerns escalate among indigenous groups regarding potential consequences of wind energy initiatives in Cambodia

In an effort to diversify its energy sources, Cambodia has approved several new wind projects in Mondulkiri province. This move comes after a series of power cuts in 2019, triggered by an El Nino-induced dry spell that affected the country's hydropower supply.

One of the companies at the forefront of this push is The Blue Circle, led by CEO Olivier Duguet. The company has received approval for a 150-MW wind project in Mondulkiri, named Kouprey Windfarm. Duguet has been hoping to develop Cambodia's wind power for over a decade.

Another company, Indochina Wind Power Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of TPC Power Holding Public Company Limited, is also approved for a wind project in Mondulkiri. Each of the six wind developers has a 150 MW allocation in Mondulkiri, but few public details have been announced about the scope or construction timeline of the projects.

However, not all is smooth sailing. A resident in Pu Treng village has expressed concern about an unknown wind project that could impact over 6,000 hectares of farmland. The resident feels blindsided by the new project and asks for a better explanation of where the project will be installed and what the impacts will be on their land and rights to usage.

SchneiTec Co. Ltd., a Cambodian company, is constructing a 299km, 500-kilovolt power transmission line through Cambodia's Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary and has partnered with Chinese energy companies to develop projects in Cambodia. This raises concerns about the potential impact on the sanctuary's wildlife.

The WCS in Cambodia has suggested solutions to prevent birds and bats from being harmed by wind turbines, such as installing ultrasonic deterrents and high-visibility colours or designs. If the unnamed company follows these recommendations, the project is unlikely to pose significant risks to endangered bird species.

Leader Wind Energy (Cambodia) Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Malaysian firm Leader Energy, is also approved for a wind project in Mondulkiri, marking its first wind project. The Mondulkiri provincial Department of Mines and Energy said five wind power projects are underway, but declined to share company names or explain why there are five rather than six wind farms as announced by the National Assembly.

Ty Sophal, director of the Mondulkiri provincial Department of Mines and Energy, said wind power developments are expected to be completed by 2027. Beijing Fengguang Infinite Wind Energy Co. Ltd., a company led by Chinese and Cambodian directors, is set to begin construction in January 2027.

However, HK Oasis Power Energy Development Co. Ltd., a Hong Kong-based firm, is one of the companies approved for a wind project in Mondulkiri, but its associated company in Cambodia could not be found in the Ministry of Commerce's business registry.

As part of this push for new energy sources, Cambodia has pledged not to approve any new coal plants and committed to increasing its share of clean power to 70% by 2030. However, the country has also approved several new fossil-fuel plants, including a 265 MW coal plant in Oddar Meanchey province and a 900 MW gas-fired plant using imported liquefied natural gas.

The WCS in Cambodia was called in to provide "scientific guidance" on one wind farm project in April, but did not name the company. The resident in Pu Treng village hopes for similar guidance to ensure the protection of their land and the wildlife in the area.