The K375 million 58 megawatt (MW) gas fired power project is slowly taking shape adjacent to the PNG LNG plant in Port Moresby.
This venture is owned by Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited and Oil Search and is constructed by NiuPower Limited, a subsidiary of both companies.
NiuPower chief executive officer, Richard Robinson said the site earthworks are well advanced as is the manufacture of the key equipment, including the six gas engine generators which are due for factory acceptance testing in February.
Mr Robinson said local landowner company LABA Holdings are heavily involved with the ongoing site works in support of NiuPower’s commitment to ensuring that as much of the work as practical is undertaken by PNG businesses.
“The project remains on track to be ready for commercial operations in the first quarter of 2019 giving the people of Port Moresby long term access to power very cost effectively generated from PNG produced natural gas,” he said.
This project was identified by the Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investment, William Duma as a critical and key infrastructure project with significant impact in meeting Port Moresby city’s power demand and a potential of reducing PPL retail tariffs throughout PNG.
The gas fired power project once completed will assist PNG Power Limited who will be constructing a double circuit 66kV transmission line from the power plant site to a new Gerehu substation.