Project Description
This project will provide access to off-grid solar lighting & phone charging solutions to rural communities in PNG by supporting IFC investment client Digicel in piloting a new solar street lighting & phone charging product in 2013. If the pilot is successful, Digicel will roll out the solar stations on a larger scale through a network of locally based solar entrepreneurs who will manage and operate the solar stations. IFC will provide technical support to Digicel as well as support the solar entreprenuers through business training and potentially access to finance.
IFC will also use the demonstration effect of this project to further develop the solar and off-grid energy market in PNG. IFC will release a PNG Solar Market Analysis in 2013 and will work with additional private sector players to scale up off-grid energy solutions.