LocationsThe Government of Papua New Guinea, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan, today inaugurated the Advancing Energy Access: PNG Mini-grid Policy and Implementation Conference in Port Moresby. The two-day conference brings together national institutions, provincial administrations, development partners, private sector innovators, financial institutions, and technical experts to advance practical solutions for expanding clean, reliable and affordable energy access across the country.
Papua New Guinea Launches New Off-grid Regulation to Accelerate Energy Access and Renewable Mini-grid Deployment
November 27, 2025
Group photo of attendees at the inaugurated the Advancing Energy Access: PNG Mini-grid Policy and Implementation Conference.
UNDP Papua New Guinea | Clive Hawigen
A key highlight of the event is the official validation of Papua New Guinea’s Off-grid Regulation for Small Power Systems, establishing a comprehensive framework for licensing, standards, consumer protection, and compliance for mini-grids and decentralised renewable energy systems, crucial for reaching communities beyond the national grid.
Speaking at the opening, Mr. Nicholas Booth, UNDP Papua New Guinea Resident Representative, welcomed the landmark development, emphasizing both the political significance and the technical potential of the new regulation.
“This Regulation is a milestone for Papua New Guinea’s energy sector. It brings clarity for developers, confidence for investors, and protection for consumers. It enables Government to meet its commitments both on energy access and on climate change. UNDP is proud to have supported the drafting of this Regulation and we remain committed to working with National Energy Authority, provincial governments and partners to translate this policy into real improvements for communities across the countryUNDP is proud to have supported the drafting of this Regulation and we remain committed to working with National Energy Authority, provincial governments and partners to translate this policy into real improvements for communities across the country.”
Mr. Nicholas Booth, UNDP Papua New Guinea Resident Representative, speaking at the Conference.
UNDP Papua New Guinea | Clive Hawigen
In her remarks, Ms. Debra Sungi, Managing Director, Climate Change and Development Authority, highlighted that: “As Papua New Guinea prepares to elevate its ambition under NDC 3.0, scaling up off-grid and mini-grid solutions is fundamental to reaching our climate and energy targets. Advancing this off-grid vision will ensure that even our most remote communities benefit from clean, reliable power and are included in our transition to a resilient, low-carbon future”.
Ms. Debra Sungi, Managing Director, Climate Change and Development Authority, during her opening remarks.
UNDP Papua New Guinea | Clive Hawigen
On behalf of Papua New Guinea’s government, Mr. Koney Samuel, Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) of Papua New Guinea, highlighted in his keynote the national commitment to strengthening renewable and decentralised energy pathways: “Expanding off-grid energy is not just a technical challenge, it is an economic and social imperative. When our remote communities get reliable power, we unlock opportunities for education, local enterprises and improved service delivery”.
Mr. Koney Samuel, Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) of Papua New Guinea, giving his keynote address, On behalf of the Papua New Guinea government.
UNDP Papua New Guinea | Clive Hawigen
With the objective to increase access to reliable electricity, renewable and hybrid mini-grids represent a vital opportunity to strengthen energy security, reduce dependency on imported fuels, support essential services, and foster local economic activity. The Off-grid Regulation provides the enabling environment needed to scale these solutions, improve investment conditions, and align PNG’s energy transition with its climate commitments under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Supported by the Government of Japan through the Pacific Green Transformation Project, the conference aims to forge stronger partnerships and produce a clear roadmap for rolling out the Off-grid Regulation across provinces. The project has been advancing clean energy solutions in the country by supporting decentralized renewable energy, including solar-powered Innovation Hubs in Buka, Kieta, and Buin, and developing a 1 MW solar farm in Buin to provide reliable electricity to the entire local community and demonstrate scalable off-grid solutions.
The final day of the conference was honoured by the participation of Hon. Peter Namea Isoaimo, Minister of Energy of Papua New Guinea, and H.E. Hisanobu Mochizuki, Ambassador of Japan, who both commended the national leadership behind the Off-grid Regulation and reaffirmed the importance of decentralised energy access in advancing PNG’s development, energy security, and climate objectives.
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