Solar farm to power up Aitape

By SAMANTHA KATI
A NEW solar farm in Aitape, West Sepik is expected to be fully operational next month following the completion of its commissioning and testing phase.
Australian High Commissioner John Feakes said it took some 18 months to design and build the Australian-funded K18 million project.
“Australia is pleased to be partnering with PNG Power and the PNG Government on this exciting project, which is just one of many initiatives Australia is delivering through the PNG Electrification Partnership,” he said.
“A total of 1,440 photovoltaic (PV) panels, each rated to maximum output of 545 watts, have been installed.
“The combined peak power generation capacity of the solar PV array is 784 kilowatts.”
It will combine with a 1,000kWh battery energy storage system to store excess energy generated during the day to supply power at night.
“The system will benefit all existing households connected to the PNG Power grid in Aitape, and PNG Power has around 500 customers on the existing grid, which comprises households, businesses, schools, health facilities and other government buildings,” Feakes said.
Feakes said Aitape’s remote location and limited roadsand port infrastructure presented a number of project implementation challenges
“All project materials had to be delivered via chartered vessels, and global supply chain and shipping challenges caused some delays in the procurement of major equipment,” he said.