Power generation

For this reason, the management of the Ihu SEZ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) to progress feasibility studies on power generation sources.

This is a follow up from the agreement signed between the Ministry of International Trade and Investment and KPHL earlier this year.

“KPHL is happy to collaborate with the Ihu SEZ Development Company to carry out feasibility studies on possible power generation solutions for their particular area,” said KPHL managing director, Wapu Sonk.

Minister for Planning and Acting Minister for State Enterprise and Public Investment, Charles Abel, says Cabinet is currently looking at options to access the additional gas reserves from the PNG LNG Project to supplement additional power generation in the country.

Abel said he did not see the rationale in exporting all our gas when it can also be used for our benefits.

“I just don’t see the logic in exporting all our gas. If there is options for us to access that gas, clean energy that belongs to us.

“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.