Port Moresby, 14 March 2024 — Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has urged global and local stakeholders to accelerate the shift from coal and heavy fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources during the opening of the 2024 Petroleum & Energy Conference held in Port Moresby.
Addressing industry leaders, government officials, and international delegates, Marape highlighted the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions amid the escalating climate crisis. He acknowledged that despite global advancements, coal remains the dominant electricity source worldwide, especially in Asia.
“Even with the technologies available today, coal consumption continues to grow, driven by major economies such as China, India, and the United States,” Marape said. “Papua New Guinea recognises the environmental damage caused by coal and supports the global move to cleaner alternatives.”
The Prime Minister underscored PNG’s commitment to leveraging its natural assets, including abundant hydropower, geothermal, solar resources, and its vast carbon-absorbing forests, to lead a green energy future. PNG is currently a carbon-negative country, with forests absorbing over 100 million metric tonnes of carbon annually.
Marape identified liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a key transitional fuel that is cleaner and more efficient than coal. He encouraged investment in LNG and renewable energy projects to reduce carbon emissions while alternative technologies mature.
“LNG offers the best pathway to a low-carbon future and economic growth for PNG,” he said, pledging government support and incentives for investors.
The Prime Minister also cautioned against any resurgence of coal use, emphasizing the moral imperative to protect the environment for future generations.
“While some countries may be turning back to coal, PNG chooses a different path — one that prioritises sustainability and resilience,” Marape stated.
The conference aims to foster collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities to develop sustainable energy infrastructure in Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific region.
The 2024 Petroleum & Energy Conference runs through this week, featuring discussions on energy policy, climate change mitigation, and investment opportunities in renewable technologies.