By SEPKOLIN WALNE
The Napanapa renewable solar energy project was officially launched, marking a major milestone and a new dawn in Papua New Guinea’s energy sector.
Napanapa Renewable Energy Ltd Chairman and Managing Director for Pacific Blue Energy Jeffrey Kennedy, emphasised the growing need for reliable and affordable power along the Napanapa industrial corridor.
Mr Kennedy stated that, after a thorough evaluation, QT Solar – a specialised Chinese solar developer with over 3,000 megawatts (3 gigawatts) installed – was brought in as the technology partner.
He said the total investment committed to this project stands at K57 million – a serious commercial commitment to PNG’s energy future.
“The Napanapa solar project consists of a 7.2 MW ground-mounted solar PV array, a 2MW battery energy system (BESS) for grid smoothing, ramp-rate control, and short-duration bridging.
“The system works in harmony with PNG’s hydro dams (Rauna/Sirinumu and Edevu),” he said.
Mr Kennedy said PNG is currently facing a sharp spike in fuel prices, with impacts approaching or exceeding 100 per cent on generation costs.
He said more critically, the country faces serious foreign exchange (FX) shortage issues.
“Every kina spent on imported fuel drains scarce foreign currency reserves that could otherwise support essential imports and national development.
“By generating clean solar power, this project directly displaces imported fuel-based generation.
“Every kilowatt-hour produced here helps reduce PNG’s dependence on fuel imports, eases pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and delivers a natural hedge against fuel price volatility.
“This is a responsibility every citizen, business, and energy provider must embrace – reducing reliance on imports, including fuel, wherever possible,” Mr Kennedy said.
Speaking at the commissioning, Minister for State-Owned Enterprises William Duma said the commissioning of this project is also a demonstration of the policy direction of the Marape-Rosso Government in enhancing PNG’s national energy security.
“We are fortunate that almost half of our electricity is hydro and geothermal generated, and we must continue to increase our access to non-fossil fuel-generated power,” Minister Duma said.