Papua New Guinea and Tonga eyeing geothermal development
Rabaul Caldera, Papua New Guinea (source: Reykjavik Geothermal)
Alexander Richter
28 Jan 2016
Despite low oil prices, Papua New Guinea and Tonga look into geothermal as likely energy option for the countries' energy future.
With significant hydro-power and geothermal potential, Papua New Guinea could be a leader in energy development in the Pacific region.
Papua New Guinea has plans for the development of up to 800 MW of hydro-power projects and more than 500 MW in geothermal power generation over the next 10 to 15 years.
Papua New Guinea and Tonga are looking at some cooperation on “developing and encouraging the use of geothermal energy in the Pacific.”
Tonga is working with the World Bank on a 10-year energy transition roadmap to renewable energy sources with geothermal energy as one likely option.
