AFRY joins collaboration on biomass project in Papua New Guinea

AFRY signs Memorandum of Understanding

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 17-Dec-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — A new partnership has been formed to raise awareness of the importance of developing renewable energy initiatives in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The parties involved are Oil Search, one of Papua New Guinea’s largest companies and investors, Climate Change and Development Authority of Papua New Guinea and AFRY.

‘PNG Biomass’, is one project that could be a turning point in Papua New Guinea’s history in providing clean and sustainable energy for the nation. Subject to a final investment decision, this integrated renewable energy project in the Markham Valley in Morobe Province will consist of a 30MW biomass power plant. It will have a secure fuel supply from 16,000 hectares of sustainable, certified and dedicated tree plantations. Oil Search is also in talks to supervise the construction, operation and dispatch of an adjacent 11MW installed capacity solar PV farm.

Oil Search, AFRY and the Climate Change and Development Authority of Papua New Guinea signed Memorandum of Understanding on 6 December 2019 at the 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) in Madrid, Spain, marking the next stage in this collaborative journey.

Present at the signing include Jonas Gustavsson, President & CEO, AFRY; Richard Pinnock, Head of Energy Division, AFRY; Marie Trogstam, Head of Sustainability, AFRY; Scott Crabtree, Climate Change Performance Manager, Oil Search; Michael Henson, Project Director, PNG Biomass; Ninning Jal, Health, Safety, & Environment Supervisor, PNG Biomass; Christian Lohberger and Luanne Losi, Acting Manager for Adaption, Climate Change and Development Authority, PNG.

“PNG Biomass is the first proposed utility scale renewable biomass and solar power generation project in PNG. We believe PNG Biomass will substantially enhance PNG’s reputation in demonstrating climate action and help transition the country to a fully renewable energy sector,” explained Ninning Jal, Health, Safety, & Environment Supervisor for PNG Biomass.

“The project is also unique for another reason, it relies on the active participation of landowners and communities. At the core of our Project is the objective to power PNG with affordable, domestic low-emission renewable energy through an inclusive economic growth model that empowers local communities. We are powering PNG and empowering communities,” added Michael Henson, Project Director of PNG Biomass.

“AFRY’s mission is to create sustainable engineering and design solutions with a clear focus to support our clients to accelerate their energy transition towards a sustainable future. We are very proud to be part of the brave leadership of all parties associated with making the PNG Biomass project a reality,” commented Richard Pinnock, Head of AFRY’s Energy Division.

About AFRY

ÅF and Pöyry come together as AFRY.

AFRY is an international engineering, design and advisory company. We support our clients to progress in sustainability and digitalisation.

AFRY has 17,000 devoted engineers, designers and advisors within the fields of infrastructure, industry and energy, operating across the world to create sustainable solutions for future generations.

Making Future

For more information, please contact:

Additional information:

Richard Pinnock
Head of Energy Division, AFRY
Tel. +41763562410

Cathrine Sandegren
EVP and Head of Communications, AFRY
Tel. +46702926826

SOURCE: ÅF PÖYRY AB