As the global community faces the inevitability of climate change, it becomes imperative for nations and businesses alike to prepare for the ensuing transitions. Papua New Guinea is thus actively addressing the challenges climate change poses, particularly in the realm of sustainable transportation.
“It is mandatory upon us to take bold and precise action to address this pressing environment concerns,” emphasized Mr. Roy Mumu, Secretary for the Department of Transport, during a pivotal workshop on Sustainable Transportation Solutions held on May 1st in Port Moresby.
"PNG has made a solemn commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in the energy industries sub-sector by 2050, signaling a paradigm shift towards renewable energy sources and sustainable transportation solutions," he stated.
"Embracing electric vehicles represents a cornerstone of this transition, offering a clean and efficient alternative to conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles."
The workshop brought together 50 representatives from the private sector, development partners, stakeholders, and non-government agencies.
Central to the workshop was the promotion of electric mobility solutions in PNG as part of the "Promoting Electric Mobility in Papua New Guinea" Readiness project, led by the Department of Transport (DoT).
In collaboration with the Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the project aims to tackle barriers obstructing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country.
The workshop featured a panel discussion among key stakeholders, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), PNG Power Limited (PPL), CCDA, and National Research Institute (NRI), the event focused on exploring sustainable transportation solutions.
Key points of discussion included the necessity for further consultation with other government sectors, including both public and private sectors.
The ADB, represented by Mr. Masayoshi Ono, Infrastructure Specialist and Transport Sector Officer, pledged support for the project, drawing insights from similar endeavors in the Asia Pacific region, as he shared insights to ADB’s programs in PNG.
The Transport sector is the largest sector ADB is supporting at 60% and energy at 20%, in response to the large infrastructure gap in the country.
Building resilience to climate change forms part of ADB’s active portfolio, as the bank’s commitment underscores the business potential of sustainable transportation solutions in PNG, starting with E-Mobility in Port Moresby.
“It is important that we all come on board with the Department of Transport to see how best this project can be implemented,” Mr. Ono added.
The project, with a budget of USD 449,598 (about 1.735 million kina) from the Green Climate Fund, spans an 18-month duration and focuses on establishing stakeholder engagement mechanisms, conducting relevant studies and research efforts, and developing strategic frameworks to promote electric mobility.
Acting Managing Director of CCDA, Ms. Debra Sungi, highlighted the significance of electric vehicles as key policy targets in the transport sector, aligning with PNG's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in the energy industries sub-sector by 2050.
National strategies and policies, including the PNG Vision 2050 and the National Climate Compatible Development Management Policy, which emphasize the reduction of emissions from the energy sector and promote renewables and fuel-efficient transportation, reflect this commitment.
Ms. Sungi reiterated, "The transport sector is one of the country's key energy targets, and the government is committed to ensuring that the country achieves carbon neutrality by 50% by 2030 under the Vision 2050."
"Therefore, the transport sector will implement policy measures on how best we can mitigate emissions from the sector. This is to demonstrate that our country is also taking action to limit global temperature rise."
Ms. Sungi highlighted electric vehicles as key policy targets in the transport sector. She extended her gratitude to all stakeholders for their commitment to the noble cause, expressing confidence in collective action to drive sustainable progress in PNG.
The country's enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) emphasizes the reduction of emissions from the energy sector, with a particular focus on promoting renewables and fuel-efficient transportation.
Moving forward, PNG's transition to low-carbon transport necessitates coordinated efforts across government, private sector, and civil society.
Key priorities include enhancing inter-institutional coordination, fostering technical expertise in EV technologies, and developing long-term planning and regulatory frameworks.
By scaling up initiatives in low-carbon transport, PNG aims to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and drive sustainable economic development.
The workshop marked a significant milestone in PNG's journey towards sustainable transportation solutions, underlining the collective commitment of stakeholders to combat climate change and pave the way for a greener, more resilient future.
