THE K57 million Napa Napa solar power project is an example of cooperation between the Government and the private sector that will benefit the people and provide a return on investment.
Kumul Consolidated Holdings managing director Professor David Kavanamur said during the project commissioning on Tuesday that the integration of power into the national grid led efforts to diversify Papua New Guinea’s energy mix, and strengthen the reliability of electricity supply.
“By combining local investment with national infrastructure, the outcomes from this project align with national development goals,” he said.
The solar farm, which is expected to inject 7.2 megawatts of clean energy into the Port Moresby grid, is a partnership between local businessman Jeffery Kennedy and PNG Power Limited.
Kavanamur said the project was a good example of public-private partnership from conception, to planning, construction and commissioning.
“The integration of this power project into the national grid leads the way in our efforts to diversify PNG’s energy mix, and to strengthen the reliability of electricity supply,” he said.
“By combining local investment with national infrastructure, the outcomes from this project align with national development goals.
“Solar-generated electricity directly addresses vulnerabilities in the power sector by utilising local sunlight resources to power our people, while at the same time cutting reliance on volatile fuel imports.
“Renewable energies, including solar, fit firmly into this roadmap as a long term strategic intervention to reduce costs and improve sustainability.
“Electricity is still not a reality for many children around our country,” Kavanamur added.
“But with projects and initiatives as we see before us before us today, more of our future generations will have access to new opportunities.
“With electricity, also supported by modern communications, we have better access to education, healthcare, and many other government services.”
