Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, has officially launched the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council new Solar grid and solar-class Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) today at the Melanesian Haus.
The Chief Secretary said that today’s launch signifies not only the inception of this cutting-edge technology within the Public Service but also, the successful completion and handover of the Solar + BESS System to the Department of the Prime Minister and NEC.
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including the Director for the National Energy Authority Ronald Meketa, Huawei PNG Chief Executive Officer Angelo Zhang, Ezy Land Management, Chief Executive Officer of National Monitoring & Coordination Authority David Wereh and staff of the Department.
During the event, a live demonstration proved the system’s immediate capability by seamlessly switching to backup power during a real-time simulated green power interruption. The demonstration showed that building operations, including elevators, remain fully functional during unexpected power outages. This reliability is vital for departmental continuity, particularly as the facilities regularly host the Prime Minister and visiting Ministers of State.
Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Limited PNG Angelo Zhang informed the Chief Secretary that it only takes milliseconds for the Solar +BESS Plant to pick up when there is a break in power.
“We can see the elevators still operating normally, without a single second interruption, no elevator traps, no panic, just absolute continuity,” he said.
“This is the first commercial and industrial project in PNG to achieve seamless switching between on-grid and off-grid status. Huawei’s project can respond in milliseconds to ensure your power never stops.”
In his speech during the event, Chief Secretary Pomaleu said the event theme, “Leading the Green Transition, Resilient Energy for Sustainable PNG” resonates well around the Government’s commitment in utilizing advanced solar and battery energy storage technologies that can provide reliable critical power supply and bolster our nation’s energy resilience.
“From this Department’s perspective, this set up will significantly benefit the Department with substantial cost savings on electricity bills which will free up financial resources for other critical areas or projects within our mandate,” the Chief Secretary said.
He added that the solar power set-up will assist the department in mitigating risks associated with power outages or supply disruptions and ensure its role in overseeing delivery of essential services to the country continue uninterrupted, particularly during emergencies or natural disasters, demonstrating the department’s commitment to maintaining stability and efficiency in governance.
Chief Secretary Pomaleu added that sustainable and reliable electricity is essential for government agencies to fully function and ensure that service delivery is reaching our citizens, including those in the remote areas.
“The broader positive impact is that it supports and complements the Government’s Connectivity Agenda in the Energy Sector as well as development of other enabling infrastructure such as roads & bridges, seaports & jetties, airports and information and communication technology, which are critical enablers to economic growth,” he said.
“By harnessing solar power development and electricity transmission, we will empower rural communities and promote the development of small and medium-sized enterprises that will, in turn, open up economic opportunities for our citizens.”
The Chief Secretary further added that the shift in the Government’s focus towards clean energy developments supports our international obligations on climate change, of which our Prime Minister and respective State Ministers have been very supportive of at regional and global forums.
He said the National Determined Contributions means that PNG must maintain commitment to the Paris Agreement and the energy mitigation plan to transition to clean and renewable.
On that note, he would urge our power supplier, PNG Power Limited, to work in partnership with private sector investors under the regulatory regime that the National Energy Authority is pushing to make this government agenda through a mix of important products including solar power plants, to expand and help our transition distribution networks and hence regional interconnections nationwide.
Chief Secretary Pomaleu said therefore It is important that the National Energy Authority is part of this process to facilitate regulatory and regulatory licensing for Private Sector investors involved in the renewable energy domain, including solar and wind farms. I want to congratulate those who are involved in delivering these outcomes.
He concluded his speech by thanking all those who were involved in the project for working hard to complete the project.