The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has expressed its support a pre-feasibility study on the use of electric buses in Siem Reap town and province. The case study, which was prepared by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), will be used as model for other locations in the Kingdom.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol on March 6 met with GGGI representative in Cambodia Shomi Kim, who shared the results of the study and assured the minister that the use of electric buses was indeed feasible.
Shomi said GGGI’s next project would study air quality improvement projects in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap town. The study was scheduled to start in early April, and would take about two years to complete. The project will be financed by France, though the French Development Agency (AFD).
Chanthol said GGGI has worked with the government to conduct research into various aspects of green growth theory that would allow the promotion of sustainable, environmentally friendly economic growth.
“The ministry, in line with the policies of the government, has worked hard to encourage the private sector as well as development partners to join it in increasing the use of electric vehicles (EVs). Their use benefits the environment. We operate several EV charging stations across the country, and encourage the private sector to build more,” he added.
During a March 2 memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between the Cambodia Bus Association and PPSHV Expressway Co Ltd, Chanthol proposed that the association purchase electric buses, while suggesting that the expressway’s administrators may consider offering a discount to EVs. The company and the association agreed that they would discuss the matter further.
Cambodia Automotive Industry Federation president Tan Monivann said the use of EVs had more advantages than disadvantages, especially if the environmental benefits were factored in.
“In many developed countries, they employ EVs to provide public transport – the use of which is also on the rise. This trend will continue to increase as more and more people become aware of environmental issues and climate change. We should definitely encourage the use of EVs,” he added.
At present, there are 13 EV charging stations across the country, including four at the transport ministry, one at Aeon Mall Sen Sok, one at Total Chamkar Dong, and one each in the provinces of Battambang, Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk and Mondulkiri.
The three most recent stations to come on line are at PTT gas stations, Chbar Ampov, Prek Pnov and Chroy Changvar.
The GGGI is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organisation which is dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive, sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies.
The institute was formed based on the goodwill that economic growth and environmental sustainability are not separate goals, but that a combination of the two is essential for the future of humanity.
