Government recognises need to support energy mix: Basil

GIVEN the country’s geographical terrain, the Government recognises the need to support the country’s energy mix, which includes the PNG Biomass Project, according to Deputy Prime Minister and National Planning Minister Sam Basil.
Speaking at a presentation in Port Moresby recently, Basil said there was a new power generation paradigm for the country that ensured the future of energy in PNG was reliable, affordable and dispatchable.
Oil Search country manager Leon Buskens affirmed the company’s commitment to complement Government aspirations to deliver national development priorities on electrification, diversifying the energy mix, driving inclusive economic growth, reforestation of the country and developing renewable energy initiatives that drive climate action.
“We have prepared the foundation for a world-class integrated renewable energy project in the Markham Valley,” said Buskens.
“We have taken the time, almost 10 years, to do this properly.
“To do right to the landowners, to align with our national priorities, to support international obligations and to ensure that this is an energy and social development project.”
Basil described the importance of PNG Biomass, saying: “This Biomass project is important, not only for the Markham Valley, Lae and the Ramu grid but important because it is a great example of the new power generation paradigm.
“Since 2009, the Biomass project has been successful but is waiting for the Government and stakeholders to make it happen.”
“This plant will generate 30 megawatts and recently we had bi-lateral partners added an additional solar plant.”