Technical assistance to help the government expand access to electricity
PORT MORESBY, May 29, 2013— Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Treasury, Hon. Don Polye, today signed the financing agreements with the World Bank for a US$8.2 million Energy Sector Development Project at Vulupindi House. This project will provide technical assistance in support of the Government’s goal to increase electricity access from 10 percent today – one of the lowest electrification rates in the world – to 70 percent by 2030.
“It is really important to develop clean energy options to meet the needs of PNG’s population,” said World Bank PNG Country Manager Laura Bailey at the signing. “The World Bank is pleased to be providing technical assistance to help the Government improve capacity in this sector so that over time they can deliver real change to people’s lives through improved access to electricity.”
The project will be focused on providing expert advice to support the development of national policies on renewable energy and rural electrification. The Bank will also finance studies to help the Government and PNG Power analyze the legal, social and environmental dimensions in the development of the Naoro Brown hydropower project in Central province.
“PNG Power acknowledges the World Bank’s support in partnership with the PNG Government and the private sector in developing renewable energy source(s) which will transform into reliable and affordable electricity services accessible to the majority of our rural population of PNG,” said Mr John Tangit, Acting CEO of PNG Power.
The four-year project is financed by an International Development Association (IDA) credit and a grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and will be implemented by the Department of Petroleum and Energy, and PNG Power Ltd. The project is a product of consultations with key stake-holders and was approved by the World Bank’s Board in February 2013.
