Brown River under PPL’s survey

PNG Power Ltd (PPL) has commissioned a detailed feasibility study into the proposed K800 million Naoro-Brown River Hydro scheme in the Central province.
The total cost of the study is about K2.9 million and is part of PPL’s initiative to promote
renewable energy development and supplement existing sources of electricity in the country.
The study will review existing information and obtain additional data that will determine
optimal project arrangements and costing for an overall hydro power development.
PPL, through contractor Hydro Tasmania Consultancy (HTC), will carry out geological, social and environmental impact studies, detailed topographical surveys, conduct site visits and identify access road route and transmission system connection options.
“The study began in January and will take about eight months to complete,” a PPL spokesperson said yesterday.
The study was tendered out in October and HTC from Australia was awarded the contract as the company clearly understood the complexity of the feasibility study process and had developed a streamlined approach to deliver the study within budget.
HTC will engage local specialist contractors to carry out geological and geotechnical investigations and topographical survey and also manage and supervise the studies.
If the project is feasible, PPL is expected to invest up to about K800 million into the project development.
PPL is also expected to address landowner matters after a meeting with Naoro Brown River landowners, HTC, and the Department of Environment and Conservation representatives on Jan 25.