Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 11 May 2026— The National Energy Authority (NEA) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday to strengthen cooperation on the mobilization of climate finance for renewable energy development in Papua New Guinea. The cooperation has been made possible thanks to the Papua New Guinea – Australia Partnership’s Climate FIRST initiative.

The signing ceremony took place as a side event during the Sixth Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers’ Meeting from 4th – 8th May which brought together Pacific ministers and senior officials responsible for energy and maritime transport to accelerate practical solutions that keep pacific islands connected by sea and by clean, reliable energy.

Under this partnership, NEA and GGGI will work together to support the development and implementation of renewable energy projects and programs across Papua New Guinea. Priority renewable energy initiatives under consideration include biodiesel development in East New Britain, geothermal energy in Bougainville, wind energy in the Gulf Province, solar power in Manus, and hydropower development in Hela, alongside other solar, hydro, geothermal, wind, and bioenergy opportunities.

One of the major barriers to renewable energy development globally is the gap between project concepts and investment-ready projects. The work being undertaken through this partnership — including project preparation, policy support, and climate finance facilitation — will help bridge that gap and create stronger opportunities for sustainable investment.

This partnership will support:
– Development of renewable energy projects (≥1 MW)
– Expansion of off-grid and mini-grid solutions
– Mobilization of public and private climate finance
– Strengthening of energy sector planning and regulation

Mr. Ronald Meketa, Managing Director of the National Energy Authority, highlighted the significance of the partnership in strengthening PNG’s energy sector:

“This MoU marks an important step forward in strengthening PNG’s energy sector. By working with GGGI, we are positioning the country to get an outcome that will benefit the communities that we serve. This MoU is in line with our Energy Sector Plan target to connect 70% renewable energy by 2030.”

Minister for National Planning, Hon. Sir Ano Pala, represented the Government of Papua New Guinea and acknowledged the partnership.

“It is a big win for the NEA and GGGI. As the government we set up systems and exist above those systems to make things happen. We (government) understand the engine room where it all happened is where you people are now. I’m privileged to be sitting with the engine room to acknowledge and bring to the surface of the sacrifices and the professionalism of attention that is given at this level which makes things happen and the government benefits.”

Mr. Sakiusa Tuisolia, Pacific Regional Director for Global Green Growth Institute, stressed on the importance of partnership and collaboration.

“We (GGGI) are proud to partner with NEA to support PNG’s energy transition. We can work together to deliver on a very important mission to electrify PNG. At the end of the day, it’s all about putting switches on the wall and this MoU is designed to deliver on that.”

The MoU will remain in effect for an initial period of three years and may be expanded through additional agreements for specific projects and initiatives.

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing renewable energy development, mobilizing climate finance, and supporting Papua New Guinea’s long-term sustainable development goals.

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For more information, visit:  https://gggi.org     

PNG Office  

Lorraine Basse, Communications Associate 

lorraine.basse@gggi.org  

GGGI Pacific (Regional Office)      

Kelly Vacala, Regional Communications & Knowledge Sharing Lead 

kelly.vacala@gggi.org