PNG EDL, a 50:50 joint venture between Origin and PNG Sustainable Development Program Ltd, is evaluating the hydroelectric potential of the Purari Hydro Resource at Wabo.
"The PNG Government is proud of achieving this milestone where the governments of Queensland and PNG as well as the private sector can come together in this strategic partnership to develop such an important project,” said PNG Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Works and Transport, the Honourable Don Pomb Polye MP. "The PNG Government is happy for the PNG Sustainable Development Program and Origin to partner with our two States in realising our potential."
The proposed project – which would have the capacity to generate approximately 1800 MW of renewable baseload electricity - would provide a reliable source of power for remote villages and rural communities in PNG and transform the area's economic development prospects. Electricity would also be exported using via Weipa to join the national electricity grid at Townsville.
"Access to reliable energy such as this may help open up significant industrial development in PNG,” added Queensland Premier Anna Bligh. "But for an energy project of this size to be viable PNG needs a baseload customer for the power. Under this partnership Queensland looks to become that baseload customer.
"Put simply what that means is if successful this project will be a massive win/win for both PNG and Queensland opening up new opportunities for all of us."
Origin Managing Director, Grant King said the ongoing assessment of the project was consistent with Origin's pursuit of a portfolio of renewable energy opportunities in Australia and select offshore markets. "This would be the first project to deliver year-round baseload renewable energy into mainland Australia," he said.
A series of engineering and environmental studies undertaken over the past 30 years has identified the Wabo site as a favourable location for a hydroelectric power project, due to its specific geographic characteristics. The unique attributes of the catchment combined with the region’s year round high consistent rainfall (on average around eight metres per year) provide river flows that are well-suited for hydropower while at the same time maintaining downstream river characteristics.
The joint venture has reviewed the existing studies in light of today’s technical, environmental and social standards. All ongoing work, including options assessment and downstream impacts assessment associated with the proposed development, is being undertaken in full collaboration with the Gulf and PNG governments.
A comprehensive feasibility study of environmental, sociological and engineering aspects is expected to be completed in 2012.
"The joint venture will ensure that recognised international environmental and social standards are followed during the feasibility study of the project. In addition, the project will undertake extensive consultation with communities and all levels of government in both Queensland and PNG," said King.
