Policy eyes renewable energy

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
PAPUA New Guinea’s National Energy Policy 2017-2027 has given prominence to the use of renewable energy, this was highlighted during the policy launch yesterday in Port Moresby.
Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua said the policy covered all areas of renewable energy including hydro, solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal.
“It is in line with the Government’s policy and series of measures to mitigate climate change, in compliance with our commitments to our international agreements relating to reductions of carbon emission,” Kua said.
The policy covers 13 main chapters, covering issues ranging from fossil fuels, renewable energy, transportation fuel sector, energy financing, trading, pricing, and social issues, energy efficiency and conservation, land, environment, health and safety, electricity and institutional reforms of the electricity industry.
“The policy also includes chapters on community services obligations, covering local participation in the energy sector and the establishment of the proposed institutional arrangements in particular the National Energy Authority (NEA).”
Department of Petroleum and Energy secretary David Manau said the country had been without a national energy policy for more than 50 years.
“This is the first National Energy Policy for our country. PNG is richly endowed with both fossil and renewable energy sources. That when harnessed, can meet the Vision 2050 target.
“Currently, the energy sector amounts to about 14 per cent of the country’s GDP, and it is a critical enabler for all other sectors for building a modern PNG economy.
“There has always been a need for a National Energy Policy since 1963 when electricity became available for households and domestic use in the country.
“We are now blessed with a policy that fits well into the Vision 2050.
“The National Energy Policy 2017-2027, harnessing energy for life, is a comprehensive policy addressing both non-renewable and renewable sources of energy.
“The policy is a result of work done over many years involving many government departments and state agencies, petroleum and energy companies, academia as well, non-governmental organisation, the participation of civil society in many seminars and conferences.”