Power pact players discuss goals

THE five signatories of the Papua New Guinea electrification partnership (PEP) met yesterday to discuss the joint progress in PNG’s electrification goals.
Prime Minister James Marape hosted a meeting of all five countries (PNG, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the US) whose leaders signed the partnership during Apec 2018, pledging to increase electricity access to 70 per cent of households across the country and improve the governance of the energy sector.
Over K1 billion has been committed toward these targets by the partnership to date and a number of substantial projects are in the pipeline.
US ambassador Erin McKee, on behalf of the PEP partners, said: “Our commitment to the PNG electrification partnership is a genuine and enduring one and we stand side by side with Papua New Guinea to realise its goals of transforming the energy sector.
“We will bring our resources and expertise to support the priorities of this Government and to see the people of PNG benefiting from reliable, sustainable and affordable energy.”
Currently underway are several infrastructure investments by PEP partners focused on extending the main electricity grids and connecting households across various provinces, as well as introducing renewable off-grid projects to more remote parts of the country.
“Power is the backbone of a strong and prosperous economy and as close partners to PNG, we are proud to be working together to help build an electricity sector that will bring affordable power to people now and into the future,” McKee said.
“Together, we will continue to invest in sustainable electricity infrastructure such as the national grid network, clean energy generation and renewable energy projects.
“Current PEP projects are being implemented in NCD, Central, Northern, Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Bougainville, Enga, East Sepik and Western with others coming on stream as well.”