Solar energy

Solar energy is perhaps the most exciting alternative energy to fossil fuel, a major source of environmental pollution. Plates used to trap sunlight and convert it into electricity are called solar cells.

Mao Sangat, director of Solar Energy Cambodia, said Cambodia has a good environment for using solar energy because we always have sunlight. “Even when it is raining, the solar cells can still trap the light,” he said.

Electric vehicles

Unlike gas-powered vehicles, electric vehicles only need electricity to operate, which helps prevent the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere.

Huy Himwat, 46, an electric vehicle user, said that his bicycle needs only 1Kw of power to make its battery full, and it can travel approximately 60 kilometres at a speed of 35 kilometres per hour. “Electric bicycles are safe and environmentally friendly,” he said.

Eco-friendly air-conditioners

Un Amata, a professor of engineering at the Institute of Technology Cambodia, said air-conditioners used to be viewed as a major source of environmental pollution. However as technology has improved, their environmental impact has been reduced.

New models of air-conditioners do not discharge CFCs, chemicals known to damage the ozone layer. “They emit HFC – hydro fluorocarbon,” said Un Amata, explaining that they do not damage the ozone layer at all, since they do not contain any chlorine molecules.