Advancing Renewable Energy Transformation: SMEC to Study Feasibility of Kuat I Hydropower Project in Papua New Guinea

SMEC has secured the contract to conduct the feasibility study for the Kuat I Hydropower Project, a development that holds the potential to transform the energy landscape in Morobe Province. This project, once operational, is expected to generate approximately 15 MW of power and produce around 100 GWh of clean, renewable energy annually, providing a reliable power source for the region’s burgeoning industrial and mining sectors.

Finschhafen district, where the project is located, is one of the most hydropower-rich regions in Papua New Guinea. Since 2020, SMEC has been engaged by the Finschhafen District Development Authority (FDDA) to assess the hydropower potential of the district’s rivers. During the prefeasibility study in 2023, SMEC identified four potential hydropower projects within the Kuat River basin. Of these, the Kuat I project was ranked as the most financially viable and accessible, leading to its selection for a feasibility study.

The Kuat I Hydropower Project is poised to play a critical role in the PNG government’s strategy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. By developing renewable energy sources like hydropower, the government aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The power generated by the project will be integrated into the Ramu Distribution System through a new transmission route connecting the project site to Lae, the nearest city, further supporting regional development.

SMEC’s scope of work includes feasibility-level design and site investigations, which will be conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts. This team comprises civil hydropower engineers, hydraulic engineers, hydrologists, geologists and specialists in electromechanical and hydromechanical systems.

The hydropower project site’s remote location presents challenges, but SMEC’s deep understanding of the local terrain, coupled with its global hydropower expertise, positions the company to deliver a successful outcome. Drawing on resources from PNG, Malaysia, Australia and the UK, SMEC is dedicated to ensuring the project’s timely and high-quality completion.

Tilak Bhattarai, Regional Lead – Pacific, Dams & Hydropower, commented, “The Kuat I project win highlights our capabilities in design and our ongoing support for renewable energy initiatives in Papua New Guinea. SMEC is currently involved in various stages of project development, including pre-feasibility, feasibility, ESIA and tender designs, for a range of clients across the region.”

This project not only enhances SMEC’s role in Papua New Guinea’s renewable energy sector but also reflects its commitment to engineering positive change through sustainable energy solutions.

Location

Papua New Guinea

Expertise

Hydropower

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