The US Agency for International Development says the Electrification GIS platform will assist off-grid energy companies to identify potential mini-grid sites and areas for distributing standalone solar installations.
Pacific USAID executive Sean Callahan said the initial launch would give several hundred users in the electrification sector access to the platform.
"USAID is pleased to be a partner with stakeholders to bring electricity to rural Papua New Guinea. This innovative, data-based approach will provide our off-grid partners with live, up-to-date information they need to further bring electrification to rural communities," Callahan said.
He said the PNG Electrification GIS platform was an interactive mapping platform to access hundreds of indicators relating to local populations and communities to support stakeholders working on electrification in PNG.
"The USAID-PEP Activity is a five-year, $57 million project partnership with the PNG government to advance the country's journey to self-reliance by contributing to the goal of connecting 70% of PNG's population to electricity by 2030," he said.
PEP partners include Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the US.
Callahan said that for USAID and the PEP partners to achieve their goals, they would be supporting PNG Power, developing off-grid electrification models and strengthening PNG's energy regulator.
