MINISTER for Petroleum and Energy, Hon Thomas Opa, MP, officially opened the public consultation workshop on subsector renewable energy policies today, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing energy access and sustainability across Papua New Guinea.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Minister Opa highlighted the comprehensive renewable energy policies developed by the National Energy Authority (NEA). These include frameworks for hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy resources, as well as a Women-In-Energy Policy aimed at promoting female participation in the energy sector.
“This development is timely as we work towards achieving our ambitious targets outlined in the Strategic Development Plan 2010-2030, which aims for 70 per cent of PNG’s households to have reliable electricity access by 2030. Furthermore, by 2050, our electricity grids are to be entirely powered by renewable energy sources,” Minister Opa said.
The government’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV) sets out five major investment programs critical for the energy sector’s growth, including:
- National Power Generation Investment Program
- National Power Transmission Investment Program
- National Power Distribution Investment Program
- Rural Electrification Roll-out Program
- Off-Grid Renewable Energy Development Program
These initiatives are designed to ensure that the electricity supply industry in PNG remains reliable, affordable, and sustainable.
Minister Opa said that these programs will facilitate the National Power Generation Investment Program, highlighting the necessity of a sector-specific investment plan.
The NEA is currently developing a comprehensive Energy Sector Investment Plan in collaboration with the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, which will align with the MTDP IV and outline a logical framework for implementing energy sector investment programs.
Opa noted the significance of a robust policy and regulatory framework, stating: “The endorsement and implementation of the National Energy Policy 2017-2027 laid the groundwork for the establishment of the NEA and the subsequent enactment of the National Energy Authority Act 2021. This act provides the legal foundation for formulating energy policies and plans, regulating the electricity supply industry, and facilitating off-grid renewable energy projects.”
He reiterated the NEA’s commitment to leveraging PNG’s rich renewable energy resources through targeted subsector policies that attract public and private investment while addressing socio-economic challenges. The introduction of the Women-In-Energy Policy aims to enhance and sustain women’s involvement in the sector.
Minister Opa also urged all stakeholders to engage actively in the consultation process.
“Your feedback is invaluable for the Government to create renewable energy policies that reflect the views and needs of all involved. Together, we can unlock the potential of PNG’s renewable energy resources, ensuring energy security, promoting economic growth, and addressing climate change,” he said.
