BPP Partnership Impact Series: Solar energy transforming remote health services in Papua New Guinea
Since its launch, the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) has worked with ambitious partners to deliver meaningful, lasting change in communities across the world. The BPP Partnership Impact Series celebrates the outcomes and lessons from our partnerships, highlighting their contributions to inclusive economic growth, resilience and sustainable development.
Our Off-Grid Renewable Energy partnerships across the Pacific and Timor-Leste focused on sustainable, locally-led solutions that expand energy access for remote and rural communities, while delivering tangible social and economic benefits. They are pilots for REnew Pacific, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific’s (AIFFP) $75 million investment to scale off-grid renewable energy across the region. This partnership installed high-quality off-grid solar power systems at two remote health centres to power safer, more accessible healthcare services for more than 13,700 people in across two catchment areas in Papua New Guinea.
Solar energy transforming remote health services in Papua New Guinea
Through the Australian Government’s Business Partnerships Platform, a partnership between Caritas Australia, Catholic Church Health Services and Bechtel Corporation is bringing reliable energy to remote parts of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Reliable electricity is essential for health facilities, yet it has remained inaccessible for many of PNG’s most isolated communities.
Two remote health facilities, Mapua Health Centre on Tatau Island and Lavongai Health Centre on New Hanover Island, now have round-the-clock solar power. Each facility is equipped with a high-quality off-grid system, including solar panels, battery storage, and upgraded electrical infrastructure. Together, these systems provide an estimated 23 MWh of clean energy annually, reducing reliance on diesel and lowering operating costs. For the first time, health workers can rely on uninterrupted electricity 24/7.
Safer care for women and newborns
The impact has been immediate and life-changing, particularly for women. Before the project, health workers often relied on torches or mobile phones to assist with night-time births. Today, maternity wards are fully lit, equipment is functional, and care can be delivered safely and with dignity.
Since commissioning, 16 safe deliveries have already been recorded. Reliable lighting, refrigeration for vaccines, and access to sterilisation equipment are transforming how care is delivered, giving health workers the tools they need to save lives.
Reaching remote and underserved communities
More than 13,700 people across the two catchment areas now benefit from improved, energy-enabled health services.
These communities face significant barriers including geographic isolation, limited transport, and under-resourced facilities. With dependable power, health centres can now operate consistently, improving access to essential services for women, children, older people, and people with disabilities.
Additional upgrades, including water systems and internet connectivity, are further strengthening healthcare delivery. At Lavongai Health Centre, new satellite connectivity supports telehealth consultations and remote system monitoring, helping bridge the gap between remote clinics and larger hospitals.
This initiative shows how clean energy can strengthen essential services, improve health outcomes, and build resilience in climate-vulnerable regions. By powering health facilities with reliable, renewable energy, Australia is supporting communities in PNG to access safer, more equitable healthcare now and into the future.
View the full partnership impact story below or download here.
