The Lower Sesan 2 Hydropower Plant, a flagship Belt and Road collaboration between the Chinese mainland and Cambodia, stands as a testament to transboundary infrastructure innovation. Spanning 6.5 kilometers across the Sesan River, the project has addressed Cambodia's energy demands since 2013 by supplying 20% of its electricity needs annually.
Producing 2 billion kilowatt hours of clean energy each year—equivalent to reducing 600,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions—the plant underscores Asia's accelerating shift toward renewable energy. Beyond its technical achievements, the initiative has fostered knowledge transfer, enabling Cambodian professionals like engineer Thet Kosal to spearhead hydropower advancements in the region.
The project exemplifies sustainable development through cross-border partnerships, aligning with global climate goals while strengthening regional energy security. For Cambodia, it represents a critical step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels and building local technical expertise.
