Abstract/Summary

The clean energy transition presents a significant opportunity to create a dynamic new workforce for Cambodia, spanning roles from highly specialised urban planners to technical engineers. However, there is currently a significant skills gap that must be addressed if Cambodia is to maximise the benefits from the shift to green energy. 

Cambodia has made ambitious commitments to drive renewable energy expansion, improve energy efficiency, and increase electric vehicle adoption. As a result, research has shown that there is already a high demand for clean energy roles in Cambodia. Businesses are struggling to find experienced local staff with technical expertise, forcing companies to make significant investments in training in addition to onboarding graduates from educational institutions. This demand will only increase. 

To address this, there needs to be significant improvements in the coordination of technical education, skill development and planning. Cambodia can address this by developing a Clean Energy Skills Roadmap, creating a specialised Skills Forum, tailoring curricula, promoting opportunities to youth, collaborating with international clean energy companies, and building government capacity to plan for clean energy skills.

Without a proactive approach to skills development, there is a risk that Cambodia will forego the benefits that the clean energy transition will bring. As the shift unfolds over subsequent decades, investments made now in upskilling human resources will pay dividends for years to come.