Cambodia Opens Coconut Char Factory

Cambodia is joining the race for green energy. The first biomass briquette factory in the country has opened its doors. Based in the capital of Phnom Penh, the Sustainable Green Fuel Enterprise factory is turning waste coconut husks into clean fuel.

The plant director recommends consumers to switch from wood charcoal to coconut briquettes, not just for the environment’s sake but also for their own health benefits.

[Ly Mathheat, Director, Sustainable Green Fuel Enterprise]:
"Why do we want people to use this environmental charcoal and replace the wood charcoal? Because firstly, we want to save our green forest, and secondly we want them to know that this product was made from waste that gives less smoke and poses less of a threat to human health and it gives better heat for cooking compared with wood charcoal."

The public has shown great interest as well.

[Pich Leng Keo Leak, Char Seller]:
"Many people come to buy the char and they say that it is quite good, it give less smoke and poses no threat to human health and it makes the house clean."

An added advantage is that the factory is recycling coconuts shells that would otherwise be left to decompose on the city’s sidewalks.