Highlands power backbone commissioned

Keltiga Hydropower substation in Mt Hagen. Keltiga is one of the eight substations for the Tari-Hagen-Yonki 132kV Power Transmission backbone project *(Image: NBC Owned)*

Papua New Guinea has reached a major milestone in strengthening its electricity network with the official commissioning of the Tari–Hagen–Yonki (Ramu) 132 kilovolt (kV) National Grid Backbone Upgrade in Mt Hagen.

The project, described as one of the largest electricity transmission investments since Independence, is expected to improve power reliability and support economic growth across the Highlands and other regions.

Minister for State Enterprises William Duma, present at the ceremony, said the project represents a defining moment for the country’s electricity transformation.

“Today we mark a defining milestone in Papua New Guinea’s electricity transformation. This project strengthens the backbone of our national power system and reinforces our commitment to economic stability and energy security.

The major upgrade replaces the old 66 kilovolt transmission system with a more powerful 132 kilovolt network, allowing more electricity to flow across the Highlands transmission corridor.

“This upgrade delivers greater capacity, efficiency and reliability for our national grid and will support development across the Highlands region.” Duma said.

The project includes more than 400 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines, eight substations and modern transmission towers linking Tari, Mt Hagen and the Yonki Hydropower Station.

"The project was launched in 2018 however and took eight years to complete this project and today, we witness the comissioning and the switch on," Duma said.

Dignitaries at the Keltiga Power substation being taken through by the PPL rep (in reflector vest) *(Image: NBC Owned)*

The project also includes the Tari–Hides transmission link, funded by Kumul Consolidated Holdings, which completes the Highlands power corridor and prepares the system for future projects including the Ramu 2 hydropower development.

The SOE Minister emphasized that the upgrade forms part of broader reforms aimed at improving the performance of state-owned utilities including PNG Power Ltd.

The Tari–Hagen–Yonki transmission backbone will strengthen electricity supply across the Highlands region while supporting economic activity in major centers from Tari through Mt Hagen and down to Lae.