SMEC has been appointed by PNG Forest Products (PNGFP) to provide tender design and documentation for the next phase of the 12MW Baime Hydropower project in Papua New Guinea. SMEC has had a key role in the project since 2014, having completed the pre-feasibility study in 2014, feasibility study and environmental social impact assessment in 2017.
Located in Morobe province, the hydropower plant will involve the construction of a low-height diversion weir, a 5km-long GRP headrace pipe, a 3km-long penstock waterway, a surge tank, and a surface power station containing two 5.7MW Pelton turbines. With a net head of 415m, the hydropower plant will be able to produce 11.4MW peak power and 80GWh of energy per year.
The project will increase power supply and reliability in the Morobe, Madang and Highlands provinces of PNG through the Ramu Network, contributing to job creation, infrastructure development and economic growth. Part of PNG Power Limited’s Fifteen Year Power Development Plan (2016- 2031), the project is also significant from an environmental viewpoint as it replaces fossil fuel and diesel-generated power.
SMEC’s role on the Baime Hydropower project includes
- Review of the feasibility study and other previous studies and validation and updating of the proposed design
- Hydrological assessment and analysis including review of project optimisation studies
- Preparation of tender design and drawings for the civil works
- Preparation of preliminary design and drawings for the electro-mechanical and hydro-
- Mechanical plant and equipment
- Preparation of tender documents with bill of quantities, schedules and specifications (as appropriate) for all project components
- Construction cost including operations and maintenance costs estimation
- Definition of contract packaging and preparation of project contract documents
- Preparation of project construction schedule
“Our Hydropower & Dams team has built up a reasonable portfolio in the small but significant hydropower sector in Papua New Guinea,” said Zahid Iqbal, SMEC Regional Manager for Pacific & Philippines. “We are very pleased to continue working with PNGFP on the next phase of this project.”
SMEC also previously completed the pre-feasibility study; feasibility study; Environmental and Social Impacts Assessment (ESIA); and the detailed design of the 9.4MW Upper Baiune Hydropower Plant which has been in operation since January 2013.
Image: Upper Baiune Hydropower Project Headworks designed by SMEC in 2010
