Indigenous groups voice concerns over potential repercussions of wind power developments in Cambodia
In a move towards a greener future, the government of Cambodia has approved six new wind power projects in Mondulkiri province. Among these is the Kouprey Windfarm, a 150-MW project by the Singapore-based company, The Blue Circle, set to begin construction in 2027.
However, not all is smooth sailing. In September 2024, workers cleared a forest near Laoka village, a site of cultural significance to the Indigenous Bunong community, for a road and a new wind farm. The companies involved, including SchneiTec, Leader Energy, HK Oasis, and Indochina Wind Power, have yet to comment on their projects and environmental protections.
The Blue Circle, with its CEO, Olivier Duguet, who has been hoping to develop Cambodia's wind power for over a decade, claims to be minimizing the impact on nearby residents by building mainly on an existing rubber plantation and a smaller portion of Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary that is zoned for "sustainable use."
Meanwhile, in Pu Treng village, a resident named Nary has expressed concern about the potential impacts of a wind farm on their land and rights to usage. Nary is also concerned about the disappearance of local wildlife following new road construction in Laoka village.
The woman from Pu Treng village claims the Beijing Fengguang project could impact more than 6,000 hectares and involve at least eight more towers, but these details could not be confirmed. A Chinese company named Beijing Fengguang Infinite Wind Energy has a wind power project in Mondulkiri, but the location is not yet confirmed, and construction will not start until January 2027.
Dean Rizzetti, energy policy director at EnergyLab Asia, noted that wind farms are highly technical and complicated. As Cambodia moves forward with its wind power goals, it will need to invest in environmental surveys and training to ensure the protection of both the environment and local communities.
The WCS, a conservation organisation, offered several solutions to prevent birds and bats from being harmed by wind turbines, including installing ultrasonic deterrents, painting blades with high-visibility colours, and turning turbines off during peak migration seasons. If the unnamed company follows these recommendations, the project is unlikely to pose significant risks to endangered bird species.
Keo Rattanak, the Minister of Mines and Energy, described the decision as a "first step" for adding wind to Cambodia's energy mix. Wind power could be on the grid from 2026, according to Minister Rattanak.
Despite the concerns, the country's wind potential is estimated at 6 GW, far lower than its solar potential (44 GW). As Cambodia continues to explore renewable energy sources, the balance between economic development and environmental conservation will remain a crucial consideration.
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