PNG Power eyes talks with developers of biomass project

By CLARISSA MOI
PNG Power Ltd is looking forward to continuing discussions with developers of the PNG Biomass project in Markham Valley, according to acting managing director Carolyn Blacklock.
Blacklock was responding to a statement from PNG Biomass on the delays that were keeping the project from proceeding with a final investment decision to commence construction of the power plant.
“We recognise that the local, regional and national economic impacts of the PNG Biomass project are compelling and that it will transform the Markham Valley and surrounding communities,” she said.
Blacklock said with those benefits aside, PPL was obliged to pursue their least-cost objectives.
“With the financial and technical assistance of the World Bank, PNG Power is developing a least-cost development plan (LCDP) for our generation, transmission and distribution systems,” she said.
“Among the components of this plan is a Ramu grid generation strategy that is nearly finalised.
“Our comprehensive LCDP will incorporate, among other things, the implications of reaching the target of 70 per cent electrification by 2030, ensuring that major existing or proposed industrial load, for example the mines, are presented accurately and realistically.”