By TOBBY PHILIP, UPNG Journalism Student
PNG Power is undertaking a K12 million transmission upgrade to allow an additional 15 MW from Dirio Power Station to reach the grid by January 2027, as the utility moves to stabilise power supply amid El Niño challenges.
PNG Power Ltd Chief Executive Officer Paul Bayly said the utility is taking immediate steps to strengthen the grid and increase available generation in Port Moresby.
He said Niupower has 58 MW of generation capacity, while Dirio has 45 MW. However, transmission constraints currently limit the amount of power that can be delivered from Dirio to 30 MW.
“Hence, a K12 million transmission upgrade is underway to enable a further 15 MW from Dirio to reach the grid by January 2027,” Mr Bayly said.
Mr Bayly said engineers are expected to arrive in mid-October to restore the control systems for two thermal generators at Kanudi Power Station.
Kanudi Power Station was decommissioned in 2015, and PNG Power has been working over the last year to bring those two machines back into operation.
“They are expected to be available in the next month, but given their age, the units are expected to provide a combined maximum total of about 18 MW.” He added.
He said PNG Power is working to return the 8 MW Unit 4 diesel generator at Moitaka Power Station to service in the first quarter of 2027, and is assessing additional diesel generation for deployment from April 2027, when pressure on dam levels is expected to be greatest.
“Even with these measures, available supply will remain tight and will not provide sufficient reserve for unplanned outages or maintenance. Load shedding will remain necessary to protect the grid from wider system outages,” Mr Bayly said.
He said PNG Power will continue to issue load shedding schedules and operational updates as conditions change.
“El Nino has greatly affected power generation in the city and placed greater challenges on PNG Power Ltd,” he said.
PNG Power Limited acknowledges the severe load shedding across the Port Moresby grid and Central Province, and apologises to its customers for disruptions to households, businesses and essential services.