PHNOM PENH, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday gave the green light to a Cambodian and Thai joint venture firm to begin a feasibility study for the construction of a 1,800 megawatt coal-fired power plant in Koh Kong province, some 271 kilometers Southwest of Cambodia.

The premier expressed his support for the mega-project during a meeting with Noppol Milinthanggoon, managing director of Thailand 's Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc., and Cambodian tycoon and Senator Ly Yong Phat, president of Cambodian partner firm Koh Kong Electricity.

"The project will provide benefits for both Cambodia and Thailand as the two countries are much in need of energy for the development," said Hun Sen.

He recommended the firm to employ an independent company to conduct the environment impact assessment on the project to ensure that it will have minimum impacts on environment.

Meanwhile, Noppol Milinthanggoon said the Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc is a leading Thai electricity firm and is listed in the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2000.

He said the firm has successfully invested in power plants in Laos, adding that the would-be coal-fired power plant in Koh Kong bordering Thailand's Trat province will be built by using sophisticated technology and can be ensured that there will be no impact on environment.

The expected electricity will be sold to Cambodia and exported to Thailand with competitive prices, he said.

During the meeting, Noppol had not disclosed the investment cost for the project.

Electricity shortage is one of the main obstacles for Cambodia in attracting foreign investors. Currently, China is leading in the investments in building electricity power plants in this Southeast Asian nation.