Australia to roll out electricity infrastructure in PNG

Papua New Guinea
Floating fishing village in Papua New Guinea

Australia will join the US, Japan and New Zealand to roll out new electricity infrastructure in Papua New Guinea, according to the ABC.

As world leaders meet in Papua New Guinea for the APEC summit, a coalition of governments has formed to provide power to 70 per cent of its population by 2030.

The new infrastructure is expected to have far-reaching societal benefits, lifting living standards for locals by providing power to essential services such as schools and hospitals.

The ABC reports Prime Minister Scott Morrison signed a partnership agreement for the project with US Vice-President Mike Pence, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and PNG’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

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Mr O’Neill said he believes very strongly the coalition will be able to connect hundreds of thousands of families right across he country.

“Perhaps uniquely for the leaders assembled here today, I know from direct experience that living without electricity is very difficult,” he said.

“I know the benefits will flow to our citizens because of this and improve service delivery and growth.”

Australia has committed $25 million to the project. With half of PNG’s power coming from hydroelectricity, it’s expected the governments will expand hydro capacity.

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