PNG Prime Minister James Marape and a string of high-powered PNG dignitaries were on hand to cut the ribbon to mark the launch of the NiuPower Gas Plant near Port Moresby.
The PM was joined by Oil Search managing director, Peter Botten and Kumul Petroleum Holdings managing director, Wapu Sonk for the ribbon cutting ceremony. NiuPower is a joint venture by Oil Search Limited and Kumul Petroleum Holdings.
NiuPower is generating 10 Megawatts (MW) currently into the Port Moresby Grid.
Once PNG Power and its contract completes the Gerehu to LNG site Transmission line by January 2020, NiuPower will be able to export its maximum 58 MW of power into the Port Moresby Grid.
PNG Power Acting CEO, Douglas Mageo, said this will mean PNG Power will be able to stop the use of Diesel Fuel at its Kanudi and Moitaka Power Stations.
“A big thank you to the the NiuPower team, ExxonMobil, Department of Petroleum and Energy, the Government of Papua New Guinea and all stakeholders who have made this possible,” Mr Mageo said.,
“We are looking forward to the day Port Moresby will be generating power free from diesel fuel and slowly work towards ensuring other centres around the country use renewable energy sources for power generation.”
On hand to witness the occasion at the NiuPower Gas Plant was Minister for Public Enterprise, Sasindran Muthuvel, National Planning Minister, Sam Basil, Commerce Minister, William Duma, PNG Power Acting CEO, Douglas Mageo, Kumul Consolidated Holdings Representative, Parkop Kurua and Hela Governor, Philip Undialu.
