Renewable energy talks vital: Minister

Business
Visitors at the PNG Pavilion at the Expo2020 in Dubai.

FOREST Minister Walter Schnaubelt says dialogue on renewable energy transitions and financial access options for small island developing states (Sids) such as Papua New Guinea is important.
Schnaubelt was speaking during an event at the Expo2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday.

Forest Minister Walter Schnaubelt presenting a bilum with PNG coffee and Queen Emma Chocolate to Minister of State for International Organisation and director-general Expo2020 Dubai Reem Al Hashimy.

“The conversation on renewable energy transitions and financial access options for the Sids is significantly important for my country,” he said.
“Like other parties to the Paris Agreement, Papua New Guinea is committed to taking action to address climate change adaptation and contribute to the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Pauline Riman (right) from the Tourism Promotion Authority showing a participant from India tourism opportunities in PNG at the Expo2020 in Dubai.

Papua New Guinea had submitted its adaptation and mitigation commitments in its nationally determined contribution in December 2020 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
“Our mitigation commitment focuses on two largest emitting sectors – energy and the agriculture, forestry and land use sectors.
“In respect to energy commitments, we plan to generate 78 per cent of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030.

Papua New Guineans in the United Arab Emirates visiting the PNG Pavilion.

“We have identified a portfolio of actions outlined in the PNG NDC Implementation Plan 2021-2030 that will deliver changes in our development pathway and achieve the NDC targets.”
The plan will be tabled on Oct 8 during the climate change and biodiversity thematic week in Papua New Guinea.
“These commitments symbolise PNG’s efforts to take action on climate change impacts. We have identified a number of renewable energy projects to facilitate sustainable development, including in rural communities, totalling over US$100 million (around K344mil).”