Investor and operator of a small 800 kW gas generating plant powered by wood waste

In Cambodia, rural electrification initially saw more than 600 private operators in the early 2000s, most of whom used generators with a regulated tariff for end consumers. After developing, financing, building, and operating the first 70 kW gas plant for an isolated network managed by a private operator, the rapid expansion of the national electricity grid prompted our local branch, iED Invest Cambodia, to adapt its business model. We increased our power capacity, continuing in the gas sector and transitioned to operating as an independent producer connected to the national grid.

In 2017, building on our initial experiences with the Charchuck 70 kW dual-fuel power plant powered by rice husks (which was expanded to 250 kW and 100% gas once connected to the network), we initiated the development of the Sra Em power plant. This plant features four gasifiers powered by wood waste and was commissioned in May 2018, with a net power of 800 kW.

Leveraging the technical expertise of our sister company iED Consult and the experience of iED Invest Cambodia in operating gas generating plants, we undertook the following key activities:

• Financial and Legal Framework: Coordinated with Cambodian institutions to finalize a 12-year electricity purchase contract with Electricité Du Cambodge (EDC).
• Wood Waste Supply Agreements: Negotiated and signed agreements with local suppliers for the procurement of wood waste.
• Design and Supplier Contracts: Conducted design studies, managed consultations, and established supplier contracts. Formed a partnership with the gasifier supplier to upgrade the units (increasing their power from 120 kW to 200 kW) and enhance its industrial offering.
• Construction and EPC Management: Oversaw the construction of the gas generating plant as the EPC contractor, including the recruitment and management of subcontractors (for works and supplies), as well as the installation, testing, and commissioning of the plant.
• Training and Operations: Trained and assembled operating teams, developed a remote monitoring system, and managed ongoing operations.

Since commissioning in May 2018, we have made significant improvements to the organization of operations and preventive maintenance of the Sra Em power plant. These enhancements have increased the utilization factor of the installed power to 91% as of 2023.