Cambodia's energy sector acquired a new product yesterday with the introduction of solar powered lights from energy company Total, advancing it toward a longer term solution to meeting the population’s energy needs.

An industry player described the products as a nice bridge toward seeing Cambodia supplied with adequate and reasonably priced power.

Awango by Total is a range of lighting products charged by small solar panels.

Martin McCarthy, general manager for Total Cambodge, said they anticipate sales in the first year to reach 10,000 to 15,000 lamps.  

“We’re targeting some very specific areas in Cambodia, particularly those people that are completely off grid and without power,” he said.

“This will rise to 30,000 to 40,000 lamps per year once the thing gets established,” he said.

According to McCarthy, the product is being launched as part of a corporate social responsibility project but may develop further in the future.

Andrew Wallace, CEO of Powertopia Cambodia, said the devices are a good step toward realising a fully functioning power grid in the region.

“Our primary concern is solving Cambodia’s energy needs from a whole-country point of view,” he said. “These kinds of devices in rural areas that don’t have good access . . . they’re a good solution,” he said.

“They bridge the gap between where we are at the moment, where there’s no grid, to the eventual aim of Cambodia joining the rest of the region with a proper functioning grid with proper power flowing through it at a reasonable cost.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Erika Mudie at [email protected]