ENB partners in proposed solar farm project

A proposed 20 MW solar farm project would be built in the Bitapaka Local Level Government area in Kokopo in East New Britain.

The solar farm project will provide power supply for a  proposed 400 room Resort, Golf Course and associated facilities with surplus power to be offered to PPL.

PNG Power Ltd (PPL) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the East New Britain Provincial Government (ENBPG), and a US-based contractor, Lenape Development Group to carry out a study for that proposed solar farm project in the province.

Under the terms of the MoU, PPL will assist in providing technical advice and support that may be useful in the investigation of the proposed Solar Farm including forecast demand profiles for ENB and any other available information that will assist the project sponsor with their investigation work.

PPL CEO, Chris Bais said such understanding is in line with the National Government’s Public Private Partnership policy in the energy sector to drive national development and at the same time ensuring vital government services reaches the people.

Bais said PPL would provide the necessary support to this study to ensure that the project becomes a reality.

East New Britain Governor, Ereman ToBaining Jnr said the province, being declared as the tourism hub in the country, and with the associated development activities is rapidly experiencing significant power supply demand in recent years.

He said that once this solar farm project comes a reality, it would relieve the current generation supply issues PPL is facing in the province.

The developer as part of the study will be preparing a bankable report on the power plant project that will enable sourcing of project funding and also to use for negotiating a power supply and purchase agreement with PPL provided the project is commercially viable and meets PPL’s demand requirements.

Lenape Development Group CEO, Thomas Shon said they are excited to be in PNG, especially in East New Britain Province to form this partnership in setting up a first of its kind Solar Farm Project in the country.

 

Author: 
Freddy Mou