Operations Session
Energy Security and Resilience in the Pacific Region
Thursday, 5 June 2025
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (GMT +8)
Private sector involvement is key to ensuring sustainable investment in the power sector. Ongoing electrification efforts, the rapid growth of the tourism industry, and steady economic development have led to a continuous rise in power demand. However, increasing price volatility and supply disruptions of diesel and oil remain major drivers of high energy costs, directly affecting both the economy and households. Additionally, frequent extreme weather events pose serious risks to uninterrupted power supply and the security of energy infrastructure. While renewable energy penetration is growing across the region, grid integration has emerged as a significant challenge for utilities.
AGENDA
4:00 - 4:05 p.m.
Introductory Remarks
4:05 - 4:20 p.m.
Energy Security and Resilience in Solomon Islands
Dr. Chris Vehe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification, Government of Solomon Islands
4:20 - 4:35 p.m.
Energy Security and Resilience in Papua New Guinea
Kingston Albert, Acting Chief Executive Officer, PNG Power Limited, Papua New Guinea
4:35 - 4:50 p.m.
Energy Security and Resilience in Tonga
Andrew Kautoke, Strategic & Major Projects Manager, Tonga Power Limited, Tonga
4:50 - 5:05 p.m.
Energy Security and Resilience in Fiji
Fatiaki Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Fiji Limited, Fiji
5:05 - 5:25 p.m.
Panel Discussion
Energy security, private sector involvement, regulatory reforms, and climate resilience in the Pacific region
Panelists:
Dr. Chris Vehe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification, Government of Solomon Islands
Ronald Meketa, Managing Director, National Energy Authority, Government of PNG
Fatiaki Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Fiji Limited, Fiji
Andrew Kautoke, Strategic & Major Projects Manager, Tonga Power Limited, Tonga
Jack Chong-Gum, Chief Executive Officer, Marshalls Energy Company, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Chris Fruean, Chief Engineer, Manager Quality Assurance Division, Electric Power Corporation, Samoa
5:25 - 5:30 p.m.
Q&A Session