The Hides Gas Development Company Ltd (HGDC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GenOffGrid to train and hire tradesmen, engineers, and technical staff in both Papua New Guinea and Australia with the goal of building remote solar power stations.
In a statement, the companies said the agreement will enable them to immediately establish in-country capacity building within PNG through joint training programs and technology exchange.
Driving the deal is the growing number of projects sponsored by foreign aid agencies for energy infrastructure, to support the Marape government's objective to increase PNG’s access to electricity from 15 per cent to 70 per cent by 2030.
John Davidson, managing director of GenOffGrid, said the company was incredibly pleased to partner with HGDC.
"We build remote solar power stations in Northern Australia and are very pleased to be partnering with HGDC to bring our expertise to PNG. This partnership will help us to fast track the building of in country capability and capacity to meet PNG's remote electrification program," said Davidson.
GenOffGrid are establishing a logistics base in Lae with administration offices in Port Moresby and recently built a solar project under a foreign aid program in remote PNG.
Libe Parindali, Chairman of HGDC, said the company was impressed with GenOffGrid's technology.
"We are very impressed with Gen OffGrid's technology, track record, and the desire to train PNG nationals to build in-country capacity for remote power generation using renewable energy sources,” Parindali said.
"We believe that together we will be able to help provide energy solutions to the PNG population and the long-term employment opportunities this creates. This integrates very well with our own development strategies," he added.
