Pawarim Komuniti Papua New Guinea Off-Grid Electrification ProgramFact Sheet West New Britain Electrification Project Published October 2020 Kamapim Pawa Pawarim Komuniti Lorengau Papua New Guinea Off-Grid Electrification ProgramManus Island Kavieng Vanimo West Sepik Wewak New Ireland West New BritainAmbunti East Sepik Kokopo Electrification Project Madang West New Britain Electrification Program East Buka Madang New Britian Enga Wabag West NewHela Britain Province Kimbe Western Jiwaka Tari Highlands Minj West Mount Hagen New Britain Mendi Kundiawa Goroka Autonmous Region Project Area: Kandrian-Gloucester District andSimbu of Bougainville Talasea District Eastern Highlands Southern Highlands Rural LLGs and communities in remote areas of Lae Kandrian-Gloucester District, Bali LLG and Witu LLG Morobe Gulf Western Hidden Valley Overview Kerema Anticipated Outcomes This project will support the delivery and installation of The solar home kits include lighting and charging facilities. 10,000 solar home kits in remote parts of West New Britain The extra lighting presents opportunities for children to do Province that do not have access to the electricity grid. their homework at night, and for those who are less mobile Central Popondetta Each kit can be used to charge mobile devices and will to move about more safely after dark. It also provides consist of three lights withDaru different intensity settings. additional time for social and productive activities, which may increase social cohesion and lead to new businesses The project was initiated in September 2019 during an Oro and additional income opportunities. official visit to West New Britain Province by the former Port Moresby Australian High Commissioner, HE Bruce Davis. During the The use of solar powered lighting eliminates health and visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the safety hazards such as smoke inhalation and fire risk Government of West New Britain and the Minister for State that are generated by burning fuel for lighting.Milne It Bay is alsoAlotau Owned Enterprises that committed to deliver electrification recognised to reduce the workload of women who are often to remote parts of West New Britain Province through an off- tasked with collecting firewood. grid electrification project. The overall aim was to enhance In addition, the kits enable increased connectivity through people’s economic, social and development opportunities. their charging capability. Mobile devices are increasingly Locally based implementation partner, Barefoot College, important for personal communication and enabling will support the success of the project and contribute to economic activity. its sustainability. It will work in partnership with solar kit supplier Jedjays Limited to install units in households, Partners is a community organisation involved in ensure correct use of the units to extend their product Barefoot College training women in solar energy. The PNG-based Barefoot lifetime and support continuity of repair and maintenance College has a training facility in Kimbe, West New Britain, services. and was previously supported by Barefoot College Working in partnership to deliver electrification in Papua NewThe project Guinea is guided by a steering committee consisting International. A number of women from Kimbe completed #PNGElectrificationPartnership of representatives from West New Britain Provincial a six-month solar engineer training course in India in 2018. Government and Pawarim Komuniti. These solar engineers will play a key role in distributing and installing solar products, providing ongoing support and maintenance, and training village-based solar officers, Project Size Australia contribution: up to AUD2.5 million thereby contributing to the project’s sustainability. WNB contribution: up to PGK1 million (yet to be provided) Mary Handen, the Managing Director of Jedjays Limited, is experienced in supporting women in business and Reach 10,000 households micro-enterprises around energy access. Her company operates a last-mile business structure, with resellers and Technology Solar home kits distributors located across rural PNG. Depending on the needs and interest of Barefoot College women, Mary could Duration 9 months be engaged to support them in business pathways to sustainable energy distribution..