UK-AUSTRALIA PARTNERSHIP BRINGS SOLAR ENERGY TO NEW IRELAND, ENHANCING COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
More than 900 households in Central New Ireland, New Ireland Province have access to solar lights.
This initiative is part of a wider collaboration between the UK and Australian Governments under the Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships program to improve access to clean, renewable energy for rural and remote communities across Papua New Guinea.
Thousands of homes now have access to a sustainable and clean energy source Launched in June 2024; the project has so far installed solar lighting and energy systems in 4,969 households and 35 community buildings primarily in Konos and Silom.
A total of 64 streetlights have also been installed in targeted villages along the main highway, improving safety and mobility for local communities, especially women and girls. The project has reached 50% completion and remains on track for its scheduled completion in July 2025.
Silom High School principal Bernard Warange said the lights have greatly assisted him to do extra hours of preparing and marking in the evenings.
Warange explained that the people of Silom and Konos, are now better connected, able to access information, and earn more, improving their overall quality of life.
“This initiative has transformed lives. It has provided relief, not only for the school and our students, but to the parents and other citizens as well, providing a reliable and cost-effective energy source,” he said.
The Pawa Bilong Niu Ailan project is focused on New Ireland Province’s Namatanai District. It will involve the installation of 9,383 household solar systems, 80 solar systems for community buildings such as health posts, churches, schools, and 160 streetlights.
The British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Her Excellency Anne Macro, emphasized the UK’s commitment to working with the Government of PNG, in partnership with the Australian High Commission aiming to improve access to clean energy, sustainability, and economic empowerment.
“The UK is committed to partnering with Papua New Guinea to support its National Energy Policy ambitions of providing 70% of households across the country with access to electricity by 2030.” she said.
