Sixty percent of Papua New Guinea households are reportedly now using solar lighting, compared with just two percent two years ago.
Photo: AFP
A report by the IFC, which is a member of the World Bank Group, says PNG has one of the highest rates of use of off-grid solar lighting in the developing world.
The report, Going the Distance: Off-Grid Lighting Market Dynamics in PNG shows that under its Lighting PNG programme 1.8 million people secured access to off-grid solar lighting and mobile phone charging for the first time.
The IFC representative in PNG, John Vivian said "solar lighting has now effectively replaced kerosene lamps in homes, which is good for people and the environment".
Seven years ago, most homes in PNG relied on firewood, kerosene and other products for lighting needs, with little ability to charge mobile phones.
IFC's work on energy in PNG is supported by the Australian and New Zealand governments under the Papua New Guinea Partnership. Under its national plan, PNG intends using 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.