TARI-PORI, HELA PROVINCE – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape yesterday, 25 October 2026, presided over the official handover ceremony of the China-Aided Solar Street Light and Solar Storage Integrated Project at the Hope Institute in the Tari-Pori District of Hela Province, hailing the initiative as a transformative milestone for local education, sustainable development, and green energy innovation.
Speaking to a delegation of local leaders, provincial officials, residents, and Chinese government representatives – led by the Chinese Ambassador, Yang Xiaoguang, Prime Minister Marape expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China for the project, valued between K15 million and K20 million.
The solar initiative features a 1-megawatt power system (with 0.5 megawatts dedicated to the Hope Institute and nearby community infrastructure) designed to provide stable, clean energy to local classrooms, residential areas, and emerging vocational training centers.
Prime Minister Marape emphasized that the solar and storage initiative represents true South-South cooperation between two developing nations without onerous conditions.
The project originated from a 2023 bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on environmental cooperation signed in Beijing and witnessed by PM Marape and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Commending China as a global leader in renewable energy transitions, Prime Minister Marape noted that bringing solar power to Hela Province directly aligns with climate change mitigation efforts.
Prime Minister Marape highlighted that the green project helps offset carbon footprints associated with resource extraction in the region, including the PNG LNG project.
Speaking on the history of the Hope Institute, which was established in a swampy area in 2013 to offer second-chance education, Prime Minister Marape revealed that the institute has successfully graduated more than 1,529 Grade 12 students to date.
He emphasized that reliable electricity is critical to supporting students.
“Without education, this power is useless. Power must go into the homes of children who are in school so that our future leaders are prepared.”
The imported solar energy will directly supply power to upcoming technical and vocational programs at the Hope Institute, including textile manufacturing, automotive repair, animal husbandry, poultry, and carpentry, aimed at equipping local youths with practical life and business skills.
In a personal reflection, Prime Minister Marape noted the symbolic alignment of the project with his local heritage, referring to his ancestral roots as belonging to the “Tribe of the Sun.”
To further strengthen ties and improve local employment prospects with Chinese enterprises operating across Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Marape announced ongoing efforts to station a Chinese language instructor at the institute.
Prime Minister Marape confirmed he will personally convey Papua New Guinea’s appreciation to President Xi Jinping during their upcoming bilateral interactions at the APEC Summit next month in Shenzhen.
Prime Minister Marape called on local leaders, councilors, and community members across Hela Province to take strong ownership of the facility and protect the critical infrastructure for future generations.
“From nothing, we can make it happen. Hope Institute will continue to incubate the next generation of Hela businessmen, businesswomen, tradesmen, and leaders who will meaningfully contribute to the growth of Papua New Guinea.”