PNG and Japan Mark Completion of K270 Million Ramu Power Project

Papua New Guinea and Japan have marked the completion of a major electricity transmission project designed to improve power reliability in Lae and other parts of the country supplied by the Ramu Grid.

The Ramu Transmission System Reinforcement Project was officially commemorated at the Taraka Substation in Lae, Morobe Province, on October 9, bringing together Prime Minister James Marape, Japanese Ambassador to PNG Mochizuki Hisanobu, government ministers, provincial leaders and representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and PNG Power Limited.

The project, valued at more than K270 million, was funded through Japan's Official Development Assistance programme and implemented by JICA in partnership with PNG Power.

PNG and Japan Mark Completion of K270 Million Ramu Power Project/Photo supplied

It involved the construction of approximately 134 kilometres of additional 132-kilovolt transmission lines, supported by 326 transmission towers and upgraded telecommunications systems. Improvements were also carried out at the Ramu Switchyard and the Singsing, Erap and Taraka substations.

The expanded infrastructure is expected to strengthen electricity supply to Lae and much of the Momase region by providing alternative transmission capacity and reducing the risk of widespread interruptions when faults occur.

Project officials expect transmission-related power outages in Lae to fall to about one-quarter of previous levels, reducing both their frequency and duration. The use of low-loss transmission lines is also expected to cut electricity losses and help lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Prime Minister Marape thanked the Japanese Government and JICA for their continued assistance in developing PNG's infrastructure, saying the partnership had helped address the country's development needs and improve the lives of its people.

Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita also acknowledged Japan's longstanding support, drawing attention to the name of Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport. He said the Japanese word "Tomodachi", meaning friend, reflected the relationship between the two countries.

The ceremony was attended by National Planning Minister Sir Ano Pala, Energy Minister Peter Isoaimo, International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru, Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan and other senior officials. JICA PNG Office chief representative Shirouzu Kenichi was also present.

The project is expected to improve electricity access and reliability for communities and businesses, with potential benefits reaching approximately 3.4 million people. A stronger transmission network will also help accommodate future demand as economic activity expands.

Japan has supported several major energy projects in PNG, including the Warangoi, Rouna 4 and Yonki hydropower developments. The latest investment adds to those efforts to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Morobe Governor Paita highlighted the friendship represented by the name of Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport, noting that "Tomodachi" means "friend" in Japanese.