Country’s first solar plant will power township: Sir J

The National National
The Konos solar plant in New Ireland generates electricity enough to power township. – Picture supplied

PEOPLE in the Sentral council in New Ireland now have access to electricity after the Konos solar power station was opened on Friday.
Friday’s launching was accompanied by two other projects-the Niu Ailan savings and loans society and the Sentral council chamber.
Locals gathered to witness the launching including 104 community awareness participants from the Tanir and Sentral local level governments, Catholic clergy, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, Government officials, Niu Ailan savings and loans society and contractors Zenith Construction and China Railway Construction Group.
The Konos solar plant was said to be the first functioning solar project in the country.
It generates 0.11 megawatts of electricity and was powering the entire township.
The solar plant was funded by the provincial government’s business arm New Ireland Development Cooperation (NIDC) through an invest-build-operate and transfer arrangement.
It took almost an year for its completion.
Meanwhile, the Namatanai solar plant was also expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Governor Sir Julius said it was a historical moment for Konos, New Ireland and the country.
“We have become the first province to connect an entire township to solar power grid,” he said.