PNG to roll out electric buses, waste-to-energy project after China talks

 Papua New Guinea’s capital is preparing for a major shift in urban services, with plans now in motion to introduce electric buses and convert waste into energy following high-level talks in China.

The announcement comes after a delegation from the National Capital District Commission, led by Governor Powes Parkop, wrapped up meetings in Shenzhen aimed at securing practical solutions for Port Moresby’s transport and waste challenges.

Downtown Port Moresby/File Photo

The city is expected to receive its first batch of electric buses before the end of the year, signalling the beginning of a gradual move away from diesel-powered public transport.

Officials say the transition is expected to cut fuel costs, improve air quality and deliver a more dependable transport system for commuters across the capital.

Governor Parkop said Papua New Guinea must begin embracing cleaner energy alternatives to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, pointing to options such as solar, hydro, wind and other renewable sources alongside electric mobility.

At the same time, the NCDC has reached an understanding with its sister city Shenzhen to redevelop the Baruni landfill into a facility capable of producing electricity from waste.

The proposed project is expected to reduce the volume of rubbish dumped at the site while turning waste into a resource that contributes to the city’s power needs.

“This is not a study visit. We came here to secure real, working solutions for Port Moresby. Cleaner public transport and turning waste into energy are outcomes that will directly benefit our people.”