Families in Lavongai, a remote island community in New Ireland Province, can now rely on clean energy to power their local health facility for the first time.
Installed through a partnership between Caritas Australia, Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS), and the Australian Government, a new solar system is transforming healthcare delivery by providing reliable power for lighting and essential equipment.
The installation includes solar panels, a distribution network and a battery energy storage system. The upgrade ensures reliable electricity for lighting, fans, and medical equipment, critical for maternal care and emergency services.
This infrastructure has the capacity to produce 11.5MWh of renewable energy for the site each year, equivalent to over 4,600 litres of diesel fuel using the old generator, saving around PGK 19,000 (AUD 6,750) per year.
Local partners oversaw the installation as well as a training program to ensure the system can be maintained and operated by community members. The project was completed in just six days but has the power to create lasting change.
The project is part of Caritas Australia’s broader Off-Grid Renewable Energy partnership as part of Australian Government’s Business Partnership Platform (BPP) to improve energy security in Papua New Guinea’s remote healthcare facilities, with similar upgrades for Mapua Health Centre, also in New Ireland.
Together, these systems strengthen healthcare for more than 12,000 people, reduce reliance on diesel and contribute to better climate outcomes.
New Ireland Provincial health Officer, Gabriel Eric said “having reliable power at the health centre here in Lavongai means better care and better health for our people.”
“With new lights and fans mothers can give birth in more comfort and safety, and running water made possible by the new water pumps will make the nurses job much easier. We’re grateful to all partners who made this possible and hope we can extend this solution to other clinics across New Ireland Province.”
Connor McBride, Pacific Program Manager at Caritas Australia, said: “The outcome of this project is a community-owned, clean and reliable power source. We’re proud to work alongside communities and faith-based partners to deliver solutions that are not only technically sound but rooted in local leadership and long-term impact.”
Sister Jadwiga Faliszek, CCHS National Health Secretary, said: “We are grateful for the partnership and support. Rural electrification is something that CCHS fully supports and wants to see rolled out to more of its facilities as we see that lights in the facilities will greatly improve service delivery, allowing proper use of medical equipment by staff to provide the best medical care.”
Issued by the Australian High Commission Port Moresby.
Media Enquiries: public-affairs-portmoresby@dfat.gov.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au
