UPNG Centre of Renewable Energy

This is our journey and our CORE.

PNG has abundant sources of energy, both renewable and non-renewable, however, only a small percentage has access to modern forms of energy (electricity, transport fuels, heat, etc.).

On top of the need for greater accessibility to modern forms of energy, PNG has a pristine flora and fauna that must be preserved. In addition, conventional fossil-fuel systems have significantly contributed to planet earth’s current greatest threat- Climate Change!. Therefore the best option to meet the modern energy need and protect planet earth is to increase the uptake of renewable energy sources and decrease energy consumption by using energy efficient/conservation strategies.

For example, only about 12-13% of PNG households have access to grid electricity, while about 45% have access to solar pico lighting lanterns/kits. Energy access is critical to the socio-economic development of any country and therefore the lack of has been credited as one of the major reasons why PNG has progressed slowly since independence. The current UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), now directly states in goal 7 that all countries strive to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

The government of PNG realises this need for clean, reliable and affordable energy and have established this goal in the overarching PNG Vision 2050 roadmap which resulted in Development Strategic Implementation Plan 2010-2030 that established the 2030 target of 70% electrification access by 2030.