PNG Biomass project

PNG Biomass staff upskilled

Power Plant Engineering Coordinator, Joshua Yaru, recently visited the Philippines to conduct a technical feasibility assessment of a similar style biomass power plant and adjacent solar farm.

The aim was to assess the technical, safety and logistical feasibility of the 25-megawatt power plant and 48-megawatt solar farm and take away lessons for the PNG Biomass renewable energy project in the Markham Valley.

Yaru’s visit was focused on reviewing the implementation of safe work procedures in executing tasks in and around the power plant.

FEED for Biomass project complete

Oil Search Limited states in its 2018 First Quarter Report that following FEED completion, discussions took place between government and lenders on potential financing arrangements.

The project, located in the Markham Valley, Morobe Province, is a long-term renewable energy initiative which uses wood chips from trees sustainably grown and harvested in surrounding plantations, to fuel a biomass power plant to provide up to 30 Megawatt (MW) into the Ramu grid.

Around 6,000 to benefit from biomass project

The sustainable and energy source which aims to commence power delivery in 2020 will give locals the opportunity to be engaged in employment and other spin-off benefits.

Head of stakeholder engagement, Jessie Mitir, says the biomass project provides many economic opportunities for locals in the area, apart from the land rental arrangement they have entered into.

“They help in the maintenance of the plantation to work so we give small contracts for them so they earn an income on a daily basis, but also we pay rentals.

PNG Biomass project taking shape

Basically the project aims to create electricity out of steam from wood.

On Tuesday the company released a snapshot of what its power generation plant will look like.

“The power plant’s generation capacity will be provided by two 15 megawatt electric (MWe) power plant units, comprised of 2x18 MW steam boilers and 2x18 MW steam turbines.

“Each 18MW boiler unit will be about 34 metres tall and will use stoker-grate technology, which is a robust design suitable for PNG conditions,” said OSL.