Key stakeholders from diverse sectors convened in Port Moresby today to discuss the advancement of sustainable transportation solutions in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Discussions from today’s workshop centered on the development of a national e-mobility policy and strategies to address barriers hindering the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a sustainable transportation solution in PNG including promoting scalable investments.
This is key step taken by the Government of PNG through the collaboration of the Department of Transport (DoT) and Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) with Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) as the delivery partner, towards combating greenhouse gas emissions originating from the transportation and energy sectors.
Studies show that PNG’s energy sector accounted for the largest net emissions at 80.5% in 2017, highlighting the urgent need to curb fossil fuel consumption. The transport sub-sector, contributing approximately 23% to total energy sector emissions, is poised for significant expansion, with vehicle numbers projected to surge from 155,000 in 2005 to 600,000 by 2030. This means that that emissions from the transport sector are expected to double over the 20 years under a business-as-usual approach.
In this context, EVs serve as an alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles, significantly reducing carbon emissions and helping mitigate the country’s contribution to global warming.
The workshop had gathered 50 representatives from diverse sectors, including government representatives, the private sector, development partners and non-government agencies to inform them above the planned activities of the project and discuss areas of engagement. The stakeholders had interactive discussions and knowledge sharing which raised awareness, enhance engagement and stakeholder alignment to promote the adoption of electric mobility solutions in PNG.
This initiative is part of the “Promoting Electric Mobility in Papua New Guinea” Readiness project, a collaborative effort between DoT, CCDA) and GGGI which aims to address barriers obstructing the adoption of EVs.
“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,” stated Mr. Roy Mumu, Secretary for the Department of Transport. “Embracing electric vehicles represents a cornerstone of this transition, offering a clean and efficient alternative to conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles.”
Ms. Debra Sungi, Acting Managing Director of CCDA, emphasized, “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.” She continued, “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.
In this project, the Department of Transport (DoT) is the implementing agency, CCDA serves as the National Designated Authority, and GGGI is the delivery partner, with funding support from the Green Climate Fund amounting to USD 449,598 earmarked for an 18-month implementation period starting this year.
Mr. Sakiusa Tuisoila, Country Representative of the project delivery partner GGGI, highlighted GGGI’s commitment to supporting PNG’s transition to sustainable transportation through strategic partnerships with government agencies.
“GGGI is proud to partner with PNG in initiatives that promote electric mobility and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mr. Tuisoila. “By supporting projects like this, we aim to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of electric vehicle adoption.”
In closing, Ms. Sungi extended her gratitude to all stakeholders for their commitment to the noble cause, expressing confidence in collective action to drive substantial progress towards a greener, more sustainable future for PNG.