Economic and environmental costs of rural household energy consumption structures in Sameakki Meanchey district, Kampong Chhnang Province, Cambodia

Clean energy development in rural areas in Cambodia plays an important role in developing the economics of the poor. This study was conducted to explore rural household energy consumption in Sammeakki Meanchey district in Kampong Chhnang Province and its impact on the economy and environment using a quantitative model. The results show that most households consume a variety of non-conventional energy sources, including traditional biomass (fuelwood, plant waste and etc.), kerosene and even LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Biomass is used for cooking and boiling water, while rechargeable batteries are exclusively used for lighting and running home devices. The monthly economic cost under the current structure with electricity at $US33.23 is higher than the structure without electricity at $US19.11. However, the monthly environmental cost of the structure with electricity is lower than the structure without electricity which the environmental cost is the highest. Monthly cash payment for energy structure with fossil fuel dominating is placed in the middle. Clear differences in the total cost, environmental cost, and economic cost for households are found among the four substitutable structures. Both the environmental and economic costs are lower when biogas is used, so this structure should be promoted throughout the rural areas in Cambodia. ► To explore in detail the household energy consumption patterns and its economic and environmental costs in Cambodia. ► Under current structure with biomass, monthly cash payment per household is low but environmental cost is the highest. ► Under the structure dominated by fossil fuel, environmental cost is the lowest and economic cost is much heavier. ► The structure with exclusive use of electricity is clean and convenient, but the economic cost is very high. ► The economic and environmental costs of biogas consumption are the lowest, so it should be introduced throughout rural areas.