The Unites States Trade and Development Agency today awarded a grant to PNG Power Limited to support its infrastructure in the country.
This investment will fund a roadmap for the implementation of a fully integrated information and communications technology platform for PPLโs electricity supply and management operations.
โUSTDAโs engagement in Papua New Guinea is focused on connecting our partners with the right solutions and best practices to enable quality infrastructure investment,โ said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDAโs Acting Director. โUSTDAโs grant will leverage our experience in supporting utility modernization efforts around the world.โ
The US Embassy in a statement said this roadmap will develop specifications for deploying a smart metering system and communications network components.
This is expected to lead to reduced electricity losses and improved quality of service.
USTDAโs grant will also provide a solid foundation to build upon for future grid expansion in accordance with the Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership between Papua New Guinea, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States.
US Ambassador to PNG Erin McKee stressed USโ commitment to PNG and particularly to the PNG Electrification Partnership.
โThis project represents an important step toward building PPLโs capacity to achieve the partnershipโs goal of providing electricity to 70 percent of Papua New Guineans by 2030,โ said McKee.
Acting Chief Executive Office of PPL, Douglas Mageo thanked the United States for its support to improve PPLโss business and its service to the country. โ
The roadmap supports the goals of the United Statesโ Asia EDGE program, which aims to strengthen energy security and expand energy access in partner countries. This project also aligns with the goals of USTDAโs Memorandum of Cooperation with Australiaโs Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to promote infrastructure development in Pacific Island Countries.
