All eyes on renewable energy
Business reporter DALE LUMA had a Q and A session with BSP’s chief executive officer ROBIN FLEMING following up on BSP’s progress in energy strategy
THE percentage of businesses in the country that are transitioning into using renewable energy such as solar is very low – below one per cent.
This is according to the president of the PNG Solar Association, Christian Lohberger, when responding to questions from The National.
He, however, said that a couple of businesses such as Air Niugini, which already has a large solar roof – top system at its 7-Mile office and BSP, which is currently developing its energy strategy, have both incorporated the idea of using renewable energy, specifically solar energy in their business operations.
As a follow-up on the progress of BSP’s energy strategy, BSP’s chief executive officer Robin Fleming responds to questions asked by business reporter DALE LUMA
- Can you elaborate further on BSP’s energy strategy and what BSP intends to do?
BSP’s renewable energy strategy is integrating renewable energy including on-grid and off-grid Solar Photovoltic (Solar PV) systems for our rural branches and commercial centres in PNG with a broader aim to develop renewable energy projects in other Pacific countries when and where those technologies become available. - Has the strategy already been developed?
The renewable energy strategy is being developed in partnership with International Financial Corporation (IFC) whereby a feasibility study on four different types of on-grid and off-grid rural to commercial bank properties have been undertaken. It is now being taken to scale, demonstrating the business case for implementation of solar PV solutions for BSP.
3. What are some of the main ideas captured in the strategy or will be captured?
Whilst the renewable energy strategy is to incorporate solar PV to the existing systems, viability of the most appropriate types of solar PV technology that makes not only technical sense but a commercial one too is imperative and is captured in the strategy.
4. Has work already been done at some of branches to install solar products? If not when will work possibly begin?
In a number of BSP properties, we have used solar solutions for security lighting and have explored ways of incorporating energy efficient fixtures and products within our branches and properties, such as the use of LED (light emitting diode) lights and inverter air conditioning systems.
In terms of the renewable energy solution implementation, and given the large number of branches we have in the country, the implementation may be over a few years if the appropriate solution is determined bearing in mind technology enhancements in that space.
5. Comparing what BSP is used to in terms of the power and energy that it is currently sourcing/using, do you think solar energy will be a good alternative?
Any energy source which is an alternative to burning diesel fuel is worth exploring and solar PV may just be the answer for businesses in PNG.
6. What is BSP’s view on the environment and climate change? Does BSP have some programmers that look at this topic?
BSP has been running a Go Green campaign for a number of years and we get actively involved in our communities from cleaning up to supporting other initiatives in this space.
We are conscious of the types of building services solutions, being energy efficient, that we implement within our properties to investing time and effort in committing to a larger renewable energy solution exercise, which in itself is a serious commitment on BSP’s part as responses to the larger issue of climate change.