PNG Energy Developments, a 50:50 joint venture between Origin Energy and PNG Sustainable Development Program, is evaluating the hydroelectric potential of the Purari Hydro Resource at Wabo in the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea.
Capturing the power of the existing river flows, the development under consideration will have generation capacity of approximately 1800MW of baseload electricity.
The Government of Queensland is planning to import electricity generated by the power plant.
Origin Energy managing director Grant King said that the ongoing assessment of the project was consistent with Origin’s pursuit of a portfolio of renewable energy opportunities in Australia and select offshore markets.
Origin Energy said that the project builds on its existing portfolio of renewable developments and options including wind, geothermal and solar and its experience with hydro technologies through its interest in New Zealand’s Contact Energy.
Australasia-based Origin Energy is focused on gas and oil exploration and production, power generation, and energy retailing.
