ISA Strengthens Papua New Guinea Clean Energy Transition Through Partnership With Ok Tedi Mining

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has strengthened its engagement with Papua New Guinea through a high-level mission aimed at accelerating the country’s clean energy transition and expanding the use of renewable energy solutions. As part of the visit, ISA held discussions with Ok Tedi Mining Limited to explore opportunities for increasing renewable energy deployment while improving energy access for communities across the country.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited, which operates in one of the world’s most remote and challenging environments, currently relies heavily on diesel to meet its energy requirements. During the meeting, both sides discussed practical ways to reduce diesel consumption by adopting renewable energy technologies such as floating solar plants, rooftop solar systems, and hybrid energy solutions for mining operations.

The discussions also focused on extending electricity access to communities located around the company’s mining operations. ISA highlighted the importance of using clean energy projects to support local development while reducing environmental impacts.

Several challenges affecting renewable energy deployment in Papua New Guinea were also identified. These include high transportation and logistics costs, concerns over installation quality, and the limited availability of trained and accredited solar installers. To address these issues, ISA discussed the potential role of its Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) in strengthening technical skills, improving installer accreditation, and building local capacity across the Pacific region.

Another important area of discussion was the development of globally adaptable technical standards for rooftop solar systems, mini-grids, solar water pumping, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and renewable energy regulatory frameworks. Both sides also explored the need for regulatory reforms that would support the wider adoption of distributed solar energy across Papua New Guinea.

The meeting highlighted the growing role that mining companies can play in advancing clean energy adoption beyond their industrial operations. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure and supporting community electrification, companies like Ok Tedi Mining Limited have the potential to contribute significantly to Papua New Guinea’s energy transition, reduce dependence on diesel fuel, and promote sustainable regional development.