China begins building US$1 billion hydropower station in Cambodia amid energy crisis

Construction has begun on a US$1 billion Chinese-invested hydropower station in Koh Kong province, Cambodia. The Upper Tatay pumped-storage hydropower project, initiated on April 10, aims to bolster Cambodia's renewable energy capacity. The project, described as a "green power bank," will have a one-gigawatt installed capacity. The hydropower station is intended to mitigate the impact of restricted access to traditional fuel supplies for developing countries, potentially worsened by the conflict in Iran. Xinhua reports the project will act as a large-scale rechargeable battery system for Cambodia's national grid.