Mobilizing Papua New Guinea’s Energy Sector to lead the transition toward a low-carbon future

Papua New Guinea convened key energy sector stakeholders in port Moresby, for the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 Energy Sector Sub-Technical Working Committee (TWC) Meeting, marking an important step in strengthening the country’s climate ambition under the Paris Agreement.

March 3, 2026

Meeting being co-chaired by NEA and CCDA representatives.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Building on the submission of NDC 1.0 in 2016 and NDC 2.0 in 2020, Papua New Guinea is now preparing its NDC 3.0 to enhance mitigation ambition, strengthen implementation readiness, and better align climate commitments with national development priorities.

The Energy Sector plays a pivotal role in the country’s social and economic transformation. Expanding access to affordable and reliable electricity is essential for improved service delivery, industrial growth, and inclusive development. At the same time, rising energy demand and continued reliance on fossil fuels underscore the need to accelerate the transition toward low-emission and renewable energy systems.

The meeting was co-chaired by the National Energy Authority and Mr. William Laikain, MRV and National Communications General Manager at the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA). It provided a formal technical platform for energy institutions and partners to review and strengthen the Energy Sector component of PNG’s NDC 3.0 zero working draft.

Mr. William Laikain, MRV and National Communications General Manager at the Climate Change and Development Authority, co-chairing the meeting.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Discussions focused on proposed new energy sector targets, confirming the scope and coverage of mitigation measures, and refining priority actions. These include renewable energy expansion, grid efficiency improvements, reduction of transmission and distribution losses, off-grid and mini-grid electrification solutions, and demand-side energy efficiency measures.

Mirzohaydar Isoev Disaster Risk Management Specialist & Climate Promise Coordinator, UNDP, during discussions.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Participants also examined enabling conditions and institutional arrangements required to implement and report on energy sector commitments under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). Identifying capacity needs and financing priorities was highlighted as critical to ensuring that planned energy transition actions are realistic, measurable, and deliverable.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), National Energy Authority (NEA), PNG Power Limited (PPL), National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Department of Transport, Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), Department of Treasury, Department of Finance, the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC), ExxonMobil, the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy, and development partners.

Group photo of all participants.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Outcomes from the Energy Sector TWC will inform the refinement of the NDC 3.0 draft ahead of national endorsement and submission. As Papua New Guinea advances its climate commitments, strengthening coordination across government, industry, and development partners remains central to delivering a just and inclusive energy transition.