Papua New Guinea - A new solar energy project

Boroko, Papua New Guinea - February 2023 

The new solar energy project of the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS) Vice-Province was officially unveiled last Feb. 1 at the EMMAUS Conference Center, in the presence of the VP’s Superior, Fr. Gregorio Bicomong. The presentation ceremony was also attended by Fr. Ariel Macatangay, President of the "Don Bosco Technical Institute" (DBTI), Fr. Srimal Silva, Provincial Economer, Fr. Eduardo Revilla, Ms. Rita Serto, Director of the Planning and Development Office, and several other Salesians, teachers, and experts in the field. This project will be divided into three phases. The first, which began with the launching of the project, consists of a 17-day intensive training on the fundamentals of solar energy and includes hands-on experience. The second phase, lasting 6 months, aims to design a school curriculum and create a workshop on solar energy, including both theoretical and practical aspects. Finally, phase three involves designing and developing solar energy systems in all 9 Salesian institutions in the PGS Vice-Province. Specifically, it is intended to provide 100 percent of the electricity needs at "Don Bosco Araimiri" and "Don Bosco Tetere," while providing up to 50 percent of the electricity for the remaining 7 institutions.