By Mark Talia
Copyright postcourier
A TRIPARTITE memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Port Moresby between the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the National Energy Authority (NEA), and the Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) last week to establish a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C).
The STAR-C initiative is a flagship program of ISA, designed to build institutional and technical capacity in member countries to accelerate the deployment of certified solar energy solutions. The new centre in PNG will serve as a regional hub for solar energy training, innovation, and knowledge exchange, supporting the country’s transition to clean and sustainable energy.
Minister for Energy Peter Isoaimo during the signing emphasized the importance of localized capacity building and said STAR-C in Papua New Guinea will empower local technicians, entrepreneurs, and policymakers with the skills and knowledge needed to drive solar adoption and energy resilience.”
National Energy Authority managing director Ronald Meketa said the signing is in line with the strategic alignment of PNG’s national energy goals.
“This partnership strengthens our commitment to renewable energy and supports our efforts to expand access to clean power, especially in remote and underserved communities,” he said. r Meketa said this partnership will contribute towards PNG’s economy in terms of employment for our technical institutions. It will provide better training and better prepare technical workers not for PNG only, but for the pacific countries. It is good partnership, that PNG is partnering with the global institute who has coverage all across the globe and in the region.
He acknowledged all the stakeholders involved for their contributions that has led to the success of this MoU signing.
DBTI rector and president Fr Ariel Macatangay, said DBTI is proud to be part of this transformative initiative. DBTI will ensure that the centre becomes a beacon of solar innovation and technical excellence for the Pacific region.
