Chip Mong Insee Cement Corp opens 9.8MW solar power plant

26 February 2019

Cleantech Solar has completed building an on-site solar PV system for Chip Mong Insee Cement Corp (CMIC) in Cambodia. The whole system includes a 2.8MW floating solar power plant deployment on CMIC's reservoir and the remaining 7MW installed across multiple rooftops of the facility.

Through a long-term partnership agreement, the project is expected to generate 297GWh of clean energy, avoiding 197,000t of CO₂ emissions in the system's lifetime. The system will contribute to CMIC's sustainability efforts by meeting a share of the large plant’s electricity demand with solar PV. This will also help CMIC reduce operating costs without having to make the capital investment, nor having to take the performance risk of the solar system.

In addition, the deployment of the floating solar system will shield the reservoir from wind and the direct hot midday sun, which is expected to reduce water loss through evaporation, contributing to CMIC's water conservation efforts.

Meng Leang, chairman of Chip Mong Insee Cement Corp, said: "Here at Chip Mong Insee Cement, we are committed to be a trusted company that is both environmentally and socially responsible. Producing cement in Cambodia to substitute imports creates jobs and opportunities for Cambodians and adopting solar is an additional important step for us to help meet our energy requirements whilst at the same time reduce our CO₂ emissions. We have selected Cleantech Solar based on their extensive track record, strong technical as well as financial capabilities. This, together with our shared values on safety and quality, has delivered a very successful solar project and solidified our partnership with Cleantech Solar."

Raju Shukla, Cleantech Solar founder and executive chairman, said: "It is very satisfying to see the state-of-the-art Chip Mong Insee Cement production plant now benefitting from our high-quality solar PV solution that combines rooftop and floating elements. In addition to environmental and social benefits, such as cutting emissions and promoting corporate social responsibility, the economic benefits of sourcing renewables will also include cost savings, long-term price stability and security of supply. We will like to extend our hearty congratulations to Chip Mong Insee Cement on achieving another milestone in their sustainability journey."