Papua New Guinea's Bougainville area is making efforts to cut its diesel bill by investing in renewable energy.
Like many Pacific island regions it is almost wholly dependent on diesel-powered generators for its electricity.
The CEO of PNG Power, Carolyn Blacklock, with Bougainville's President, John Momis Photo: supplied
But the main island is mountainous with high rainfall and dozens of rivers so President John Momis says hydroelectricity is one of the first renewable energy possibilities being considered.
"We have one hydro power project being built with PNG Power and we have also engaged a New Zealand company to do a feasibility on other hydro projects throughout Bougainville and we may even go for a hybrid, a mix of hydro and solar", he said.
The Papua New Guinea utility company PNG Power is in the process of setting up a hydro power station at Ramazon in the Tinputz District.
This will supply most parts of mainland North Bougainville and Buka Island.
