China reaffirms commitment to climate action at Pai Hope solar handover

Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Yang Xiaoguang says China attaches great importance to addressing climate change and remains a firm champion of concrete action and a major contributor to global green development.

Ambassador Yang made the remarks at Pai-Hope Institute in Tari, Hela Province, during the handover ceremony of the 1.5MW + 0.5MW integrated solar power station, part of the Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone under the South-South Cooperation for Addressing Climate Change.

He said over the years, China has actively promoted energy transition and is committed to helping mitigate climate change.

"By the end of 2025, China's installed capacity of renewable energy, including hydropower, wind power and solar energy, reached 2.4 billion kilowatts, accounting for over 60 percent of its total installed capacity," Ambassador Yang said.

"In 2025, the number of new energy vehicles in China approached 44 million and continued to grow steadily."

He said cumulative carbon dioxide emissions reduced by passenger cars in China from 2021 to 2025 reached 37 million metric tons.

Ambassador Yang said China actively participates in and leads global climate governance while continuously deepening South-South cooperation on climate change.

"By the end of last year, China had signed 55 cooperation documents on climate change with 43 developing countries," he said.

"Through joint efforts such as building low-carbon demonstration zones, donating supplies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and conducting capacity-building training, China has assisted fellow developing countries in tackling climate change."

He said the Pai Hope low-carbon demonstration zone is a concrete example of these efforts, noting that China values the unique concerns of Pacific Island countries regarding climate change.

He explained that the low-carbon demonstration zone comprises three components: a 1.5-megawatt plus 0.5-megawatt integrated photovoltaic and storage facility, solar streetlights, and a water purification facility.

He said the project represents the latest achievement in China's support for PNG's economic and social development and energy transition.

"This project reflects a shared commitment to local development. It stands as a significant asset for Hela Province, directly empowering both the Hope Institute and the wider community," Ambassador Yang said.

"First of all, I wish to extend my warm congratulations on the successful completion of the integrated photovoltaic and storage facility. The other two components will also be completed and handed over soon."

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister James Marape for the ongoing support for the project, and commended Jiangsu Hengtianyuan Group, the contractor of the project.

Ambassador Yang also thanked Prime Minister Marape and Papua New Guinea for their long-standing and steadfast support for the development of China-Papua New Guinea relations and practical cooperation.