Thursday, August 19, 2010
HANOI (Nikkei)--To address chronic power shortages that are becoming a serious problem for both general and industrial purposes, the Cambodian government has started looking at building its first nuclear plant.
The country will work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on safety procedures in plant operations, maintenance and waste disposal. And despite the many challenges -- including procuring funds and training personnel -- the move may create business opportunities for heavy machinery makers worldwide that are seeking nuclear-plant orders.
State Secretary Ith Prang of the Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy broke the news, saying Cambodia has begun discussing a plan to build a nuclear plant as early as 2020. While noting that coal-fired thermal power will remain the nation's first choice for energy, he said Cambodia must expedite its consideration of nuclear because Vietnam and other neighbors are actively working on their own nuclear projects.
Energy demand in Cambodia has been growing by roughly 16% annually in recent years, but the country is significantly behind in expanding supplies. Because most of the nation's energy needs are met with small diesel-powered generators, costs are high. Cambodia's prices for electricity are two to three times higher than those in neighboring countries, impeding foreign investment.
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The country will work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on safety procedures in plant operations, maintenance and waste disposal. And despite the many challenges -- including procuring funds and training personnel -- the move may create business opportunities for heavy machinery makers worldwide that are seeking nuclear-plant orders.
State Secretary Ith Prang of the Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy broke the news, saying Cambodia has begun discussing a plan to build a nuclear plant as early as 2020. While noting that coal-fired thermal power will remain the nation's first choice for energy, he said Cambodia must expedite its consideration of nuclear because Vietnam and other neighbors are actively working on their own nuclear projects.
Energy demand in Cambodia has been growing by roughly 16% annually in recent years, but the country is significantly behind in expanding supplies. Because most of the nation's energy needs are met with small diesel-powered generators, costs are high. Cambodia's prices for electricity are two to three times higher than those in neighboring countries, impeding foreign investment.
Please click here to read more...
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