For 146 villages scattered across the foothills of the Torricelli Mountain Range in Sandaun Province, solar power is improving lives, strengthening communities, and helping protect some of Papua New Guinea's most endangered wildlife.
“When solar power came here, the people were overjoyed, saying, 'We are now coming out of the darkness',” said Matthew Akon, Executive Director of the Tenkile Conservation Alliance (TCA).
Since 2021, Australia's Pawarim Komuniti Partnerships (PKP) program has partnered with TCA and local communities to deliver the Kamapim Pawa project across Aitape/Lumi and Nuku districts.
Many of these remote villages can only be reached on foot across rugged terrain. Despite these challenges, the project has installed 8,005 home solar systems and 350 solar streetlights, providing clean, reliable electricity to more than 24,000 people.
The project focuses on villages that work alongside TCA to protect endangered species, including the Tenkile and Weimang tree kangaroos. By providing households with solar lighting, communities no longer need to rely on burning bush materials for light. This reduces pressure on surrounding forests, helping conserve critical habitat while improving daily life for local families.
The impact has been significant. All households that received solar systems have permanently switched from their previous lighting sources, providing safer, cleaner, and more reliable light after dark.
While solar energy has transformed 146 of TCA's partner villages, 43 communities still lack access. With support from the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), PKP is now implementing a final ‘last mile’ phase of the project. This phase will deliver an additional 1,500 home solar systems and 100 solar streetlights, ensuring more families benefit from reliable electricity.
As part of Australia and the UK's commitment to locally led development, the project has trained local Solar Champions to install and maintain the systems. By building technical skills within communities, the project supports long-term sustainability and local ownership.
Kamapim Pawa is one of eight PKP Round 2 projects scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Together, these initiatives demonstrate Australia's commitment to locally led development while supporting Papua New Guinea's target of connecting 70 per cent of households to electricity by 2030 and achieving universal access by 2050.
Through partnerships that put local communities at the centre, Australia is helping improve access to clean energy, strengthen livelihoods, and protect the unique biodiversity that makes Papua New Guinea one of the world's most environmentally significant countries.
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New solar streetlights are bringing safe, reliable, and renewable energy to communities, extending opportunities for evening activities while improving safety and security after dark.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100