USAid sees power project a big challenge

THE PNG electrification partnership programme is a new role for the US government in the energy sector, an official says.
USAid deputy mission director for the Pacific and Mongolia Sean Callahan is in the country with a delegation as part of a scoping mission for the electrification programme.
“The PNG government saw electrification as a real challenge and obstacle to development and had the foresight and determination to bring together five countries as partners who can bring their expertise, authorities and experience with different development tools to achieve 70 per cent electrification for PNG by 2030,” he said.
“It is a huge challenge given the geography. It’s important to recognise that Australia and New Zealand have a big role in the energy sector in PNG.
“It is a new role for the US government so right now we are in the listening mode.”
Callahan said the delegation met with officials from Australia, New Zealand and Japan, representatives of the private sector, government agencies, PNG Power Ltd and Kumul Consolidated Holdings to discuss the challenges and how the US could help.
“The partnership from the US is not just USAid” he said.
“There are other government agencies that play a big role including the State Department, Overseas Private Investment Cooperation and the US Trade and Development Agency.”