On February 21, in Beijing, China National Heavy Machinery Corporation (CHMC), a subsidiary of Sinomach Heavy Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (Sinomach-HE), signed the implementation agreement, land lease agreement, and pumped storage agreement for the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) project of the Stung Tatay pumped storage power station with Cambodia's Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Electricity Authority of Cambodia. This project is a key component of Cambodia's energy infrastructure and a significant initiative for China-Cambodia cooperation in large-scale infrastructure and sustainable development. The project will be developed under the BOT model by CHMC and its investment partners.

CHMC signs BOT agreement for Stung Tatay pumped storage power station in Cambodia. [Photo/CHMC]

The signing ceremony was attended by Keo Rottanak, Cambodia's Minister of Mines and Energy; Okhna Kok An, a member of the Cambodian Senate; and Xiao Ping, Vice General Manager of Sinomach-HE and Chairman & General Manager of CHMC.

Keo Rottanak expressed his appreciation for Sinomach-HE and CHMC's contributions to Cambodia's infrastructure, economic growth, and improved livelihoods, voicing his confidence that Sinomach-HE would deliver a high-quality project, further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Cambodia.

Xiao Ping thanked Cambodia's Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Electricity Authority of Cambodia for their trust and support. He emphasized that Sinomach-HE is committed to efficiently advancing the project, ensuring the development of a safe, efficient, green, and sustainable pumped storage power station — setting a benchmark for regional energy cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Located at the upstream of the Stung Tatay hydropower station, which is currently under construction by Sinomach-HE, the Stung Tatay pumped storage power station will have a total installed capacity of 1,000 MW. Once completed, it will enhance Cambodia's grid stability, improve peak load regulation, and support the large-scale development of clean energy sources such as solar power — further driving Cambodia's economic and social progress.

The effect picture of Stung Tatay hydropower station and pumped storage power station [Photo/CHMC]

Pumped storage power stations are a type of hydroelectric energy storage system. They work by:

·Storing energy: During periods of low electricity demand, excess electricity is used to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir.

·Generating energy: During periods of high electricity demand, the stored water is released from the upper reservoir, flowing downhill through turbines to generate electricity.

Essentially, they act like giant batteries for the power grid, helping to:

·Balance electricity supply and demand.

·Improve grid stability and reliability.

·Store energy, especially when renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent.