About Us
Pawarim Komuniti works across some of the most remote and hard to reach parts of PNG, to provide clean, accessible, and renewable energy to communities, families and individuals across PNG. Driven by the ethos ‘clean energy, safer community’, Pawarim Komuniti:
Goal
Pawarim Komunity is part of Australia’s commitment under the PNG Electrification Partnership to help PNG meet its target of connecting 70% of the country to electricity by 2030.
Gender equity, disability and social inclusion:
The integration of gender equity, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) and safeguards in Pawarim Komuniti will enable safe, accessible and inclusive off-grid clean energy services that will have equitable outcomes for all Pawarim Komuniti beneficiaries.
Clean energy in PNG
Pawarim Komuniti supports PNG’s Medium Term Development Plan III (2018–2022), which states:
“Energy powers economic growth and development of the country. There is increased need for clean and reliable energy sources to accelerate this growth and development. Given the abundance of clean energy sources, PNG is well positioned to realise PNGDSP 2010 target of providing 70% electricity access rates to households and business houses.
More investment in clean energy generation, such as hydro, solar, wind, biomass and geothermal power generation will be accelerated to reduce dependence on diesel power generation. Continued strategic investment in the sector for provision of reliable and clean energy is an essential driver for economic growth.”
What is off-grid electrification?
Off-grid electrification refers to stand-alone power systems that provide rural households, businesses, public or community service facilities with clean energy services. Off-grid electrification is fast becoming the preferred means to connect people to electricity in countries like PNG where communities are isolated, and the cost of grid connectivity is high.
Research in the energy sector highlights that for much of the PNG population, off-grid, decentralised solutions will need to be a significant part of the solution for energy access in rural areas and may well remain the most appropriate option for the near and medium term.
With 80% of people in PNG living in remote towns and communities with limited access
to vital services, increasing access to energy services will help improve living standards and allow government and civil society to deliver improved education and health services at the community level. Electrification of communities also improves safety and security through street lighting.
Access to energy services is also important for fostering economic growth in the private sector, especially for small and medium enterprises that enhance income generation.