IN BRIEF

PNG SEEKS TO BRING POWER TO 70% OF ITS HOUSEHOLDS

Papua New Guinea has set a target for 70% of its households with access to electricity by 2030 and the new ‘Small Power Systems’ programme sets the foundation to achieving this target.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) calls for “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” by 2030.

UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Dirk Wagener said: “Cheaper, cleaner energy for more people improves livelihoods and protects vulnerable communities and fragile ecosystems from the impacts of global warming and climate change. We take this opportunity to thank NEA for continuing the support that was initially provided by the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) in the development of the Papua New Guinea Regulation for Small Power Systems. A first of its kind for the country.”

The Regulation was developed under the UNDP-managed ‘Facilitating Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Applications for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Project’. The Regulation provides for private and public investments in energy service products including power systems of less than one megawatt (< 1 MW). It allows for the involvement of communities irrespective of the business models to be used.