Remote communities in Papua New Guinea’s Oro and Central provinces will soon have access to clean, reliable electricity for the first time, transforming healthcare and education services in some of the country’s most isolated areas.
The country’s first REnew Pacific project, delivered by the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), will install solar mini-grids at Sanananda Aid Post and Mt Koiari Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) Centre along the Kokoda Track.
In Sanananda, the mini-grid will support essential healthcare for the busy aid post which serves up to 7,000 people each year, powering medical equipment, refrigeration, lighting and emergency services. At Mt Koiari, the FODE’s 50 enrolled students will benefit from electricity for classrooms, digital learning and satellite internet.
These modern, locally-managed systems will replace diesel generators, cutting emissions, reducing costs and improving energy security for years to come.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Mr Ewen McDonald, said: “This project reflects the strength of the Papua New Guinea-Australia partnership in action. Through REnew Pacific, we’re delivering clean, reliable energy that supports safer healthcare, better education and stronger communities in some of PNG’s most remote areas.”
Dr Genevieve Nelson, KTF’s Chief Executive Officer, explains: “The Community Health Workers at Sanananda do an incredible job with very limited power – a few lights, no hot water, no powered equipment. This project will be a game changer for the level of care they can deliver.”
“And in the mountains of the Kokoda Track, where the FODE Centre offers the first ever access to secondary school, electricity means opportunity, powering lights, tablets and fans to create a better learning environment for students and teachers.”
“Through this work, we’re helping people reach their potential by improving their access to education and healthcare that is powered by clean, dependable energy in even the most remote parts of Papua New Guinea.”
Grayson Kaumi, Sanananda Community Representative, said: “This mini-grid will help the Sanananda Aid Post to store vaccines, assist with delivering babies, provide light and security for patients and emergencies at night and power equipment. We are grateful as a community and catchment.”
The project builds on a successful 2025 pilot at Kokoda College and is scaling a model for sustainable, community-led electrification. Training in maintenance, governance and gender inclusion will help ensure long-term success.
REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s $75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy for rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including PNG.
Over the next five years, REnew Pacific will continue to support community-led projects that bring clean, reliable energy to remote and rural off-grid communities, powering everything from lighting and clean water to healthcare, education and local enterprise.
REnew Pacific responds directly to the Pacific’s call for urgent climate action, showcasing Australia’s climate leadership and partnership in tackling the region’s greatest shared challenge. It sits within the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium.
🔗 Find out more about the project.
