Energy and Security Group

We're excited to announce the launch of the Pimaga Vocational Education & Training (VET) Centre’s solar mini-grid, a key step in bringing uninterrupted, #cleanenergy to the heart of Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands. ESG played a pivotal role in designing and overseeing the installation of this solar PV + battery solution, benefiting over 260 students and trainers who now have access to reliable power for hands-on training and development. This system includes a 99kW rooftop solar system with 149kWh of battery storage and provides the tools the emerging professionals need to master their trades and achieve nationally recognized qualifications.   We’re proud to partner with USAID-PEP, RTI International, SLB, and Santos Foundation on this transformative project, delivering renewable energy that powers both education and economic development.

Congratulations to the #USAID Power Sector Improvement Activity (PSIA) project team on recently completing the second Empower All Energy Program (EAEP). The EAEP program increases inclusion, diversity, and equity in Pakistan’s energy sector by giving recent university graduates the opportunity to network with public and private energy sector stakeholders and providing them professional trainings.  The 24 EAEP participants this year came from groups consistently underrepresented within Pakistan’s engineering profession such as men and women from semi-urban/rural areas, persons with disabilities, and minorities. As part of this year's events, PSIA held a #STEM Career Expo on August 1 in Islamabad – the EAEP participants from years 1 and 2, as well as other STEM graduates from universities across Islamabad, got to meet and network with 35 national and international STEM-related companies working in Pakistan. #STEM #EnergyEquity #USAID https://lnkd.in/gdYekWcV

ESG continues to support the transformation of healthcare electrification in rural Papua New Guinea (PNG) through our work with the USAID-PEP Initiative which recently completed a solar mini-grid at the Pimaga Hospital in the Southern Highlands Province. This 93 kW solar PV and 110 kWh battery energy storage system replaces a diesel-generated power system which struggled with limited operating hours. Having access to more reliable and more constant power paves the way for enhanced medical services and community well-being in this part of rural PNG. The switch from diesel to solar and battery storage not only ensures 24-hour power but also supports the expansion of essential services such as labor and delivery, blood storage, and laboratory operations. The project is the result of collaboration between the ESG team, RTI International, and the Santos Foundation and is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation in overcoming the challenges of remote healthcare. #SustainableEnergy #HealthcareInnovation #USAIDPEP https://lnkd.in/eGJ4cT7Y

We've been actively supporting the USAID-Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership Activity (PEP), a five-year collaboration with the government of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The primary goal of this initiative is to significantly contribute to achieving the government’s target of connecting 70% of PNG’s population to electricity by 2030. Most of PNG is rural and isolated. Extending the electricity grid is expensive and technically complex. Working with our partners in PNG, we are leveraging #renewableenergy solutions, particularly 🔆 solar power 🔆, to deliver clean, dependable and economical energy solutions. USAID-PEP recently organized Stand-Alone Solar Information expos in #Vanimo and #Wewak, in the #Sepik region. Over 300 small businesses participated in expos to learn about the benefits of quality-certified solar and reselling opportunities alongside USAID-PEP solar partners. Over the last few months, the activity has successfully reached more than 1,000 individuals through information sessions - and even more through consumer-focused media campaigns.   The initiative is set to continue its outreach at #Goroka on April 25th, 2024 and #Bougainville during May and June 2024!

At Energy and Security Group many of our projects focus on the intersection of energy and international development. Access to #CleanEnergy isn't just about powering homes and businesses; it's about empowering communities and is a key driver of economic growth, social progress, and reducing poverty. On this #EarthDay 🌍 we continue our commitment to powering progress. We believe: 💡 Renewable energy solutions offer a path forward. From solar microgrids in rural areas to wind farms powering entire regions, renewable energy projects are transforming lives. They provide not only clean energy but also new opportunities for education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. 🔆 Clean energy solutions - including both renewable energy and energy efficiency - play a vital role in advancing international development goals, such as improving healthcare, education, and economic opportunities in underserved communities. 🤝 Collaboration is key to accelerating progress. We've collaborated with governments, NGOs, businesses, and local communities to develop and implement solutions to energy access and advance sustainable development goals. By supporting policies, initiatives, and partnerships that prioritize equitable energy access, we can create a more just and sustainable world for all. #EarthDay #EnergyAccess #InternationalDevelopment #RenewableEnergy #SustainableFuture #ClimateAction

Did you know that in Pakistan, only 4% of energy sector employment is made up of women? USAID, through the Power Sector Improvement Activity (PSIA), is providing opportunities for women to gain professional training and to network with leaders in Pakistan's energy sector through the Future of Women in Energy Scholars Program. Over 35 scholars have participated in this program which began in 2022; many have since secured jobs and internships in the energy sector helping to increase women's overall participation. We're excited to highlight a recent profile in Medium of the Future of Women in Energy Scholars https://lnkd.in/de5yAK85 Thank you to all the ESG staff supporting PSIA for making this program such a success - especially Ambreen Zaman, Memona Naseer, Mariam Saigol

For enhancing the gender landscape in Pakistan’s power system planning USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance Energy and Security Group trained 31 female engineers from 10 DISCOs, NTDC and NPCC. A five-day Power Distribution Network Planning training was designed with Lahore University of Management Sciences for female engineers who are working in the Planning & Engineering departments as system operators Gujranwala Electric Power Company | GEPCO Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) Multan Electric Power Company Limited #genderequity #sustainability #energy #womeninleadership

We congratulate both the ESG team in Pakistan supporting the USAID Power Sector Improvement Activity (PSIA) and the Multan Electric Power Company Limited (MEPCO) on recently inaugurating the first-ever digital, paperless, and women-led Customer Facilitation Center (CFC) at MEPCO’s Musa Pak Model Division. The CFC customer service representatives are trained female MEPCO employees. We think Safina Shamshad, the CFC Supervisor in Charge, said it best at the MEPCO CFC inauguration on March 5. In her remarks, she noted: “I am also incredibly proud to tell you that this CFC is the first-ever facility in Pakistan to be led and operated entirely by women, marking a significant step towards empowerment and showcasing the invaluable contributions of women towards positive change. The importance of this facility cannot be overstated. Various studies have shown that energy access, consumption, and efficiency are inextricably linked to gender, and that sustainable energy transition targets cannot be met without considering women’s energy needs. Today, we are doing just that—ensuring that our approach to energy is inclusive, equitable, and sensitive to the needs of all our customers.” Through PSIA, ESG is proud to have partnered with Multan Electric Power Company Limited and looks forward to more announcements on how women are working to enhance Pakistan’s power sector.

Congratulations to the ESG team from USAID's Power Sector Improvement Activity (PSIA) as well as Lahore University of Management Sciences on the inauguration of the electric vehicle R&D center! https://lnkd.in/ePwRm_nU This e-mobility center is part of the U.S.-Pakistan "Green Alliance" to promote #cleanenergy, #sustainabletransportation, and #environmental protection.   A large component of this center is testing and deploying swappable battery-based three-wheeler rickshaws for public transport. ESG is proud to have partnered with Lahore University of Management Sciences in this work and looks forward to more announcements on how PSIA in enhancing Pakistan’s power sector’s financial viability, reliability, and affordability.

This year, Energy and Security Group will continue to support the USAID-Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership Activity (PEP), a five-year activity in partnership with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) government to bring increased electrification to the population of PNG. Because much of PNG is rural and remote, building the electricity grid to reach all communities is not only expensive, but also technically difficult. ESG and our partners are focusing on the opportunities for distributed renewable energy, especially solar, to provide energy services that are reliable, clean, and affordable.   The USAID-PEP activity has worked with solar energy producers, distributors, sellers, and consumers to highlight the benefits of quality-certified solar products. These solar products are certified as reliable, fixable, and come with warranties.   Through PEP, ESG and are our partners are creating targeted awareness initiatives and strategic partnerships, such as the Trupela Sola Consumer Awareness campaign, to educate communities about the merits of these quality-certified solar products and foster opportunities for solar product businesses. In the past few months, over 1500 people have learned about Trupela Sola at in-person events and many more through media campaigns. https://lnkd.in/eu9XY_PE   Look out for more in key markets across the Highlands, Morobe, and Sepik in the coming months.