Applications for Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships funding is now closed
Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships expressions of interest from potential partners to implement new off-grid energy projects across Papua New Guinea are now closed.
All submissions received will go through a three-stage screening process and applicants will be notified through email on the status and progress of your submissions.
Eligible projects
Successful projects will meet the following criteria.
1. Outcomes
Enhance one or more of the following sustainable outcomes through providing access to clean energy:
- Improve access to education, health and/or other essential public services
- Enhance people’s livelihoods
- Strengthen food security
- Boost economic opportunities for community members
- Support conservation initiatives (e.g. cultural, biodiversity, environmental).
2. Location
Must be situated in a rural or remote area of Papua New Guinea that is outside of the PNG Power exclusivity zone.
Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships funding will prioritise project locations that have not received funding through prior grant rounds. See projects to date.
3. Government and community endorsement
Must be consistent with relevant Government of PNG policies, such as specific sector policy and the Medium Term Development Plan IV Strategic Priority Areas and Targets
4. Sustainability
Must deliver sustainable outcomes for communities. To deliver these benefits, projects must have plans to maintain and extend the longevity of the solar technology beyond the installation phase.
5. Environment
The proposed project must reduce and minimise impacts on the environment, reduce carbon footprints and build resilience against climate impacts.
Eligibility criteria
Organisations seeking Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships’ funding must provide evidence of the following mandatory requirements.
- Applicants must be registered with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) or provide evidence of registration in their country of nationality.
- Applicants must hold audited financial statements for the last 3 consecutive years, audited by an independent audit firm. If audited financial statements are not available, the financial statements must be certified by the organisation’s authorised officer.
- If applying as a consortium or joint venture, each member must provide items 1 and 2 above plus a copy of a duly executed Consortium Agreement, Joint Venture Agreement or a Letter of Intent to form a joint venture.
- Applicants must hold a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) or equivalent.
- Applicants must hold a valid Certificate of Compliance issued by the PNG Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) or equivalent.
- If the project is proposing to include a standalone power system, applicants must provide proof of ownership such as a certified land title, a long-term lease or a Land Use Agreement for the land and any buildings on which the system will be installed.
PNG government entities are not eligible to apply. However, an applicant may partner with a government entity as part of its proposed approach to implementing a project.
Application process
Step 1: Submit an expression of interest
Eligible applicants propose a project idea and commit to a co-contribution, either financial or in kind, if the project is selected (highly encouraged). Use our solar technology calculator to help prepare your expression of interest.
Expressions of interest will be screened and assessed by Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships.
Expressions of interest that meet the application requirements and criteria will be invited to submit a full proposal to outline the project in detail.
Step 2: Invitation to full proposal
Successful expressions of interest will be invited to submit a full proposal detailing the proposed solar project. Feedback will be provided from Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships to incorporate into the full proposal.
Some applicants may be eligible to receive additional support to develop a full proposal. This will be included in the invitation to full proposal. Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships will notify applicants if their full proposal is successful.
Step 3a: Due diligence assessment
Successful applicants from Step 2 will be invited to undergo a due diligence assessment, including verifying the information provided at full proposal stage and any site visits required.
Step 3b: Memorandum of understanding
Applicants who have successfully completed the due diligence assessment will be invited to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DT Global, which manages the Australian Government’s Economic and Social Infrastructure Program (ESIP).
The MOU will signal ESIP’s intent to fund the project, and applicant’s intent to contribute to delivering the project in line with the project terms. This will involve entering into a Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships Agreement with ESIP and the delivery partner (solar providers and installers).
ESIP will then undertake a competitive tendering process to source suppliers for the project’s required solar products and installation.
Step 3c: Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships Agreement
Successful applicants will enter into a Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships Agreement with ESIP and the solar product supplier and installer.
Once this has been completed, successful applicants will become project implementation partners!
Step 4: Project implementation
All partners will work together to implement the project in line with the Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships agreement terms.
The project implementation partner will take a lead role in connecting their target communities to solar technology. The ESIP team will provide overall project coordination.