Baime hydro-power project will boost capacity by 26MW

THE Baime hydro power project in Morobe will be the fourth power station operated by PNG Forest Products, increasing overall capacity of power generation to 26 megawatts.
Managing director Tony Honey said the project would be a run-of river scheme.
It will involve construction of a low-height diversion weir, a 5km-long glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) headrace pipe, a 3km-long penstock waterway, a surge tank, and a surface power station containing two 5.7MW Pelton turbines.
“It will have a capacity of 11.4megawatts and will supply power to the PNG Power Ramu Grid,” Honey said.
“The project will increase power supply and reliability in Morobe, Madang and Highlands provinces through the Ramu network, contributing to job creation, infrastructure development and economic growth.
“The project is also significant from an environmental viewpoint as it replaces fossil fuel and diesel-generated power.”
Honey said they have appointed SMEC engineering company to provide tender and documentation of the Baime project.
“The project is currently in the tender design phase,” he said.
Honey said SMEC 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.
“PNGFP is a major independent power producer (IPP) operating three hydro power stations with a combined installed capacity of 14.9MW at Baiune near Bulolo, Morobe,” he said.
“Our Lower Baiune power station has operated continuously since it was recommissioned in 1947 and it still operates at nameplate capacity.
“In Jan 2013, PNGFP commissioned the 9.4MW Upper Baiune power station.
“It was built to supply power to the PNG Power Ramu Grid, making it the only hydro power station built by an independent power producer for the sole purpose of supplying power to PNG Power.”