Port Moresby, 22 March 2025 — Kokoda College in Oro Province has taken a significant step towards a sustainable and inclusive future with the launch of a state-of-the-art off-grid solar mini grid. This landmark project, implemented under the PNG-Australia Partnership and facilitated by the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), brings reliable renewable energy to over 200 students and staff in one of Papua New Guinea’s most remote regions.
The solar mini grid system will provide clean, uninterrupted electricity to power classrooms, an Information Technology lab equipped with assistive technologies tailored to support students with disabilities, and essential infrastructure such as a solar water pumping system and a waste management incinerator. Additionally, the system supports a solar-powered irrigation scheme for the school’s campus garden, designed to promote innovative smart agriculture practices among students and local communities.
Enhancing Educational Outcomes and Inclusion
Reliable access to electricity has been a longstanding challenge in rural PNG, often hindering educational progress and limiting opportunities for students. The introduction of the solar mini grid at Kokoda College removes these barriers, allowing teachers to utilize modern teaching aids, computers, and internet connectivity critical for 21st-century learning.
Special attention has been given to inclusivity — the IT lab’s assistive technologies ensure that students with disabilities receive tailored support, fostering a more equitable learning environment. The project is expected to boost student engagement, improve literacy and numeracy, and prepare youth for further education and meaningful employment.
Sustainable Community Development
Beyond the classroom, the solar-powered irrigation system provides students with hands-on learning in sustainable agriculture, promoting food security and environmental stewardship in the wider community. The waste management incinerator will enhance sanitation and reduce health risks associated with poor waste disposal practices.
The project exemplifies how renewable energy can serve as a catalyst for holistic community development, intertwining education, health, environment, and economic empowerment.
Strengthening the PNG-Australia Partnership
Australia’s ongoing commitment to rural electrification and climate resilience in PNG is reflected in this initiative. The project aligns with PNG’s Medium Term Development Plan priorities, including expanding access to sustainable energy, improving education infrastructure, and supporting inclusive development.
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, H.E. Jane Smith, praised the collaboration: “This solar mini grid at Kokoda College embodies our shared vision of a sustainable and prosperous Papua New Guinea. By investing in clean energy and education, we are empowering the next generation with the tools they need to thrive.”
Looking Ahead
The success of the Kokoda College project serves as a model for similar initiatives targeting remote schools and communities across PNG. It demonstrates how renewable energy solutions can overcome infrastructure challenges, support government development goals, and create lasting social impact.
With the PNG-Australia Partnership continuing to expand support for renewable energy and inclusive education, the future looks brighter for students in rural Papua New Guinea.