Solar power part of plan to grow supply of cheaper electricity

PNG Power acting managing director Carolyn Blacklock, pictured, says the company averages 1600 connections per year while Government’s target is 125,000 connections per year.
She said this equated to one million customers per year for 12 years at around a US$1.4 billion (K4.7 bil) investment.
Blacklock was speaking at the inaugural annual meeting of the Solar Energy Association of PNG (SEAP) at the University of PNG in Port Moresby on Monday.
“Papua New Guinea has capable people and the natural resources to deliver on this and solar is in our growth plans,” Blacklock said.
“We must be very careful because electrification will plateau due to affordability issues if we do not undertake a least-cost approach to ensure we can underpin our country as an investment destination with low-cost, quality power.
“Small hydro and solar are likely to be the lowest-cost technologies between 2020-2030 to meet new demand.”
“The SEAP and PNG Power can build a harmonious and mutually-beneficial relationship by working together on low-cost, quality solutions.
“Solar remains the solution of choice for off-grid and PNG Power continues to be supportive of enhancing the quality offered on products in the market.”
The solar energy association was established and registered in 2016 by a group of business owners and individuals.
Christian Lohberger, the association’s interim president, said: “Solar Power has a key role to play in the electrification of Papua New Guinea but we must ensure there is a solid platform for the industry to operate from.
“The industry needs to present a united voice to Government and development partners alike, to establish some standards and quality assurance in the market and to network and to train and upskill its members on the latest development in the technology.”