Australia has embarked on a collaborative effort with Papua New Guinea to enhance the nation’s access to reliable renewable energy sources, addressing the growing demand for electrification.
According to recent updates from the Australian High Commission in PNG, the partnership involves strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering PNG’s electrification requirements. One key initiative involves substantial repairs at the Ramu 1 hydropower station in Kainantu, Eastern Highlands Province. This operation has successfully unlocked an additional 17 megawatts of generation capacity for the Ramu grid, significantly improving the power supply reliability in major centers such as Madang, Morobe, and the
Photo courtesy: Australian High Commission in PNG
Highlands region.
Australia’s commitment extends to the Port Moresby grid, where the focus is on installing new capacitor banks and transformers at crucial substations. These interventions are designed to strengthen power stability, mitigating instances of power outages within the region.
Significant strides have been made through refurbishment efforts, notably at the Rouna hydropower stations in Sogeri, Central Province. The completion of improvement works at these stations aims to enhance both the reliability and generation capacity of the grid. Further improvements are anticipated in early 2024, marking a pivotal moment in PNG’s journey toward a more robust and sustainable energy infrastructure.
The collaborative initiatives between Australia and PNG underscore a shared commitment to fortify access and reliability of renewa
ble energy. This partnership signifies substantial progress in meeting PNG’s escalating electrification needs, emphasising the importance of international cooperation in addressing the energy challenges faced by developing nations.
Australia is PNG’s largest trading and commercial partner, with bilateral trade worth AU$ 6.7 billion in 2018.
