The 2025 Papua New Guinea Petroleum and Energy Conference (PEC), held from 8–9 October at The Stanley Hotel, marked the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary under the theme “The Next 50,” a call to shape and reset the next chapter of PNG’s energy future for the coming decades.
The two-day event brought together more than 100 organisations and participants from over 15 countries, creating a strong platform for dialogue, collaboration and investment across the petroleum and energy value chain. The conference featured more than 30 national and international speakers, including industry leaders, policymakers and technical experts who explored emerging policies, upcoming projects and investment opportunities critical to PNG’s evolving energy landscape.
Day One of the conference opened with a keynote address by Dr Fereidun Fesharaki, chairman of FGE and a renowned global energy economist. With a longstanding association with PNG, Dr Fesharaki delivered a comprehensive analysis of global and regional energy trends, highlighting PNG’s strategic role in the Asia-Pacific energy market.
He presented several insights relevant to PNG, noting that:
- Oil’s future is a plateau, with a long-term price range of USD65–80 per barrel.
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the growth story, with demand led by Asia into the 2040s.
- A wave of new LNG supply will emerge from 2026, creating both challenges and opportunities for gas-rich nations.
Dr Fesharaki said the conference’s structure fostered meaningful interaction, particularly through moderated panel discussions that encouraged audience participation during Q&A sessions.
“The PEC has added tremendous value – the quality of dialogue and engagement reflects the importance of these discussions for PNG’s future,” he said.
Duma Reaffirms Power Sector Transformation
The ministerial keynote address on Day Two was delivered by Energy Minister Peter Isoaimo, who set a clear vision to “use today’s oil and gas wealth as a bridge to a renewable future.”
Key points of his address highlighted the country’s preparation for a greener, technology-driven energy landscape, including:
- Investing in youth and renewables for long-term strength.
- Achieving the goal of affordable, sustainable energy for every household by 2075.
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The second ministerial keynote was delivered by Minister for State-Owned Enterprises William Duma, MP, who reaffirmed the Marape-Rosso Government’s commitment to transforming PNG’s power sector through the partial privatisation of PNG Power Limited (PPL). He said the initiative aims to improve efficiency, attract private investment and ensure reliable, affordable electricity for all Papua New Guineans.
Minister Duma said this transition marks “a new era for PNG’s energy future,” balancing investment returns with improved service delivery for citizens. He outlined the government’s targets of 70 percent national electrification by 2030 and universal access by 2050, supported by renewable energy development and major infrastructure upgrades.
During his visit to the PNG Business News exhibition booth, Minister Duma told PNG BN that the 2025 PEC is “one of the biggest and most successful conferences to date,” describing it as a vital platform for high-level networking, engagement and discussions on national energy agendas.
Building on the momentum of PEC 2024, this year’s conference expanded both its reach and depth. It offered delegates the opportunity to engage directly with key stakeholders, regulators, investors and project developers, all focused on shaping PNG’s next 50 years in energy and petroleum development.
The 2025 conference also served as an exhibition hub, where sponsors and delegates showcased innovations, products and services driving energy transition, sustainability and infrastructure growth across the country.
PEC 2025 Sponsors and Support
The success of the event was made possible through the support of its sponsors. Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited led as Platinum Sponsor, joined by ExxonMobil PNG, PNG LNG, China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd, and Winston Engineering Ltd as Gold Sponsors. The National Energy Authority supported as Silver Sponsor, while Kumul Consolidated Holdings, TWL Group, TotalEnergies, Papua PNG, Motor Vehicles Insurance Ltd, Asia Pacific Communication Specialist, High Arctic, Robinson Energy, and Houpu Clean Energy Group Co. Ltd served as Bronze Sponsors.
Through collaboration, policy reform and investment, the discussions held over the two days have laid a strong foundation for the next 50 years — ushering in a new era of growth and transformation for PNG’s petroleum and energy sectors.
