Staff members at Cambodian Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CPG) prepare to fly a drone to patrol transmission lines in Pursat province, Cambodia, on June 12, 2026. Chinese-invested CPG has played a crucial role in ensuring a stable power supply in Cambodia while serving as a key platform for technology transfer to local professionals. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua)
PURSAT, Cambodia, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese-invested Cambodian Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CPG) has played a crucial role in ensuring a stable power supply in Cambodia while serving as a key platform for technology transfer to local professionals.
Commercially operated since February 2013, CPG's 230 kV high-voltage transmission line delivers electricity from the 120-megawatt Stung Atay Hydropower Plant in Pursat Province, as well as other hydropower stations, to multiple provinces across Cambodia, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Pursat and Battambang.
The Stung Atay Hydropower Plant was developed by Cambodia Hydropower Development Co. Ltd. (CHD), a subsidiary of China Datang Corporation.
CPG power system operator Im Chhun said that both CPG and CHD ensure a reliable energy supply while facilitating the transfer of technical expertise from Chinese specialists to Cambodian staff.
"These power projects have provided significant advantages and strongly promoted Cambodia's development," he told Xinhua in a recent interview. "CPG and CHD play a vital role in delivering stable electricity to support the country's development across all sectors."
According to Chhun, CPG has adopted advanced technologies to guarantee a stable power supply and employees have received comprehensive training to operate high-tech equipment.
"Currently, we can use robots to monitor equipment temperatures and operational status, and those robots will report directly to on-duty operators," he said. "We also use AI to assess damage and analyze weather forecasts, which are critical to power production."
Chhun said that before joining CPG, employees received technical training as well as Chinese and English language courses.
"CPG and CHD offer extensive opportunities for personnel to develop technical expertise, language proficiency, teamwork and leadership skills," he said.
CPG's transmission line supervisor Prak Tithyarith said his responsibilities include overseeing the 230 kV transmission line stretching 294 km from Phnom Penh to Battambang.
"Nowadays, advanced technologies have greatly reduced our workload," he told Xinhua.
"In the past, workers had to patrol transmission lines manually during floods or in difficult terrain. Today, such patrols are no longer necessary, as drones are used instead," he added.
Tithyarith noted that lasers are employed during maintenance to remove kites flown by residents that become entangled in power lines, as well as bird nests built on power poles.
"There is no need for us to climb poles to remove them anymore," he said.
Tithyarith recalled that when he first joined the company, he knew very little, but his Chinese colleagues had taught him a lot about patrolling power transmission lines.
"I am deeply satisfied with this job because it allows me to directly serve the Cambodian people," he said.
CPG's substation operator Kong Phon said the company provided six months of technical and Chinese language training before he began work.
"I truly enjoy working here," he told Xinhua, adding that the company offers employees competitive wages, accommodation and meals.
Commenting on the working atmosphere, Phon said Cambodian and Chinese colleagues maintain close communication, forming relationships akin to those of family members.
"We get along very well, just like brothers or close friends," Phon said.
A staff member at Cambodian Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CPG) uses a drone to patrol transmission lines in Pursat province, Cambodia, on June 12, 2026. Chinese-invested CPG has played a crucial role in ensuring a stable power supply in Cambodia while serving as a key platform for technology transfer to local professionals. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua)
A staff member at Cambodian Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CPG) uses a robot to monitor equipment temperature and operational status at a substation in Pursat province, Cambodia, on June 12, 2026. Chinese-invested CPG has played a crucial role in ensuring a stable power supply in Cambodia while serving as a key platform for technology transfer to local professionals. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua)
Staff members at Cambodian Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CPG) use lasers to clean up the transmission lines in Pursat province, Cambodia, on June 12, 2026. Chinese-invested CPG has played a crucial role in ensuring a stable power supply in Cambodia while serving as a key platform for technology transfer to local professionals. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua)
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