Chamber to embrace green energy

THE Lae chamber of commerce and industry (LCCI) says it is looking forward to any power solution which is sustainable, environmentally safe and provides employment in the supply of reliable, low-cost power in Lae and Morobe.
Responding to queries about the PNG Biomass project in the Markham Valley in the province, president John Byrne said: “PNG Biomass has provided a solution which ticks most of these boxes, whether it fits the plan of PPL (PNG Power Ltd) is a decision beyond our scope.
“The recent Ramu 2 announcement is another such solution.
“Our people of Lae, Morobe, and PNG, not only expect, but deserve, reliable, constant and cost-effective power solutions.”
Byrne said the business houses of Lae thanked and congratulated the Lae PPL team on its diligence, hard work and communication on keeping an aged and fragile grid system operating.
Commenting on the long outstanding unpaid Government bills owed to business houses, he said many businesses that had short or long-term contracts with the Government were struggling.
“The quantum of debt is not specified but very large and this added to the impact of the Covid-19, resource debates and a lack of forex is taking a toll on the business houses.”