Geothermal Regulatory Framework Within the Proposed National Energy Authority in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Papua New Guinea sets to build geothermal investment in the coming years attributed to the passing of National Energy Policy 2017 to 2027. The National Energy Policy with the main theme “harnessing for life” forms the engine room to aggressively motivate internal domestic utilization simply to meet increasing energy demand in the light of very low electricity accessibility and coverage and the increased economic developments in PNG. The overarching policy constitutes the subsequent national policies and strategies for the energy sector that are aligned to the PNG Development Strategy 2010-2030 and the PNG Vision 2050. Geothermal resource is one the key renewable energy resources outlined in the National Energy Policy broadening the energy mix in Papua New Guinea. Although not yet commercially exploited, geothermal resources are abundant and hence more geothermal exploration studies are required to pursue geothermal system and find the feasible geothermal reservoir whereby the policy is optimistically accomplishing its legal and regulatory efforts to push the geothermal exploration and development. One of the key integral parts to realize geothermal opportunities is the establishment of National Energy Authority. The proposed National Energy Authority solves the specific geothermal regulatory barriers by streamlining the permitting requirements, uniting the relevant government bodies to explore, stimulate and develop geothermal resources, de-risking and managing financial worries and bringing and geothermal investments under PNG context.