Rouna hydro power stations are only generating 10 megawatts (MW) to supply electricity to PNG Power’s Port Moresby electricity grid.
“The Rouna hydro power stations (Rouna 1, 2, 3 and 4) have been generating power supply in a lower capacity from normal operations due to low water levels at the Sirinumu dam,’’ says PPL acting chief executive officer John Yanis.
“On full capacity, the hydro power stations generate 54 megawatts (MW) of power supply for Port Moresby. The low water levels means the four hydro power stations can only generate 10MW, the maximum.
“This has resulted in PPL increasing the use of its thermal power plants in Moitaka and Kanudi during this El Nino period.
“It is hoped that we have enough rain in the coming weeks that can ensure that the Sirinumu Dam reservoir has enough water to help increase generation capacity at the hydro power stations.”
The PPL boss says the power requirement for its city grid “fluctuates” between 110-120MW daily.