Minister for State Enterprise Ben Micah has officially launched Phase 2 of the Yonki dam in Kainantu in the Eastern Highlands today.
Phase 2 of the Yonki dam is expected to lift Yonki’s electricity capacity from the current 93MW (after all major refurbishment and upgrade works are completed) to 273MW, an expansion of 194% in the scheme’s generation capacity.
The project site is downstream from the existing Yonki Dam and is capable of generating 180 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy.
The project will cost K800 million.
Micah said the tender process will start soon and the project will begin soon after.
The project is expected to increase total electricity generation capacity in Papua New Guinea by 36% by way of a low-cost renewable source.
The scope of the Ramu 2 project includes a new 471,000 cubic metre storage facility; three 61MW turbines; 30km of new project access roads; 7km underground headrace tunnel; power station; 12km of new 132kv transmission lines; and other temporary works.
Kumul Consolidated Holdings Ltd has engaged the services of an expert firm to undertake an extensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to comply with CEPA permitting and international standards such as the Equator Principles and Performance Standards.
This firm will also have carriage over all land access requirements and landowner management on behalf of KCH.
Ramu 2 will be based on a public-private partnership (PPP) model which, for the first time, will see traditional landowners also assume equity in the project.
Micah urged the landowners to work with the State and benefit from the spinoffs.