Australia is partnering with Cocoa Regiment Ltd. (CRL), a Papua New Guinean cocoa wholesaler, to install solar systems for cocoa growers in Powat and N’Dranou-Yiringou villages. The new solar systems will power a new cocoa processing facility as well as homes, streetlights and community facilities for approximately 7,000 people.

By powering Cocoa Regiment’s innovative cocoa drying and processing facility, solar energy will help local growers improve quality, reduce costs and access high-value markets.

The project is installing:

• 2 x 10 kW solar systems for cocoa processing facilities
• 2 x 5 kW solar systems for local primary schools
• 200 x home solar systems

Outcomes

Improved livelihoods and economic opportunities: Local cocoa-growing households will be able to downstream processing (fermentation, drying, etc.), creating jobs and boosting incomes.

Enhanced delivery of essential services: Reliable power will improve the quality of education, healthcare and other key services.

Increased security and wellbeing: Solar power will light up homes and community spaces, improving safety after dark, especially for women and girls.

Sustainable development: Clean, solar energy will reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs and support climate-resilient growth.