Finschhafen district, where the project is based, is one of the most hydropower-rich areas in the country. Since 2020, SMEC has worked with the Finschhafen District Development Authority to evaluate the district’s rivers for hydropower potential. In 2023, a prefeasibility study identified four possible projects within the Kuat River basin and selected the Kuat I project as the most financially viable for further development.

The Kuat I project is part of Papua New Guinea’s broader effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The government aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality before 2050. Once operational, the energy from the project will be fed into the Ramu Distribution System through a new transmission line connecting to the city of Lae.

SMEC’s study will involve a multidisciplinary team of civil hydropower engineers, hydrologists, geologists, and other specialists. Despite challenges posed by the remote location of the project, SMEC plans to draw on resources from Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Australia, and the UK to ensure a successful outcome.

“The Kuat I project win highlights our capabilities in design and our ongoing support for renewable energy initiatives in Papua New Guinea,” said Tilak Bhattarai, Regional Lead – Pacific, Dams & Hydropower. “SMEC is currently involved in various stages of project development, including pre-feasibility, feasibility, ESIA, and tender designs, for a range of clients across the region.”

This project reinforces SMEC’s presence in Papua New Guinea’s renewable energy sector and its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.