Rural Electrification Projects: Rouna 2

Rouna 2 is a 30MW (5x6MW) power station built 40 years ago and is the largest hydro power station in the Port Moresby system. Poor plant condition results in poor availability and utilisation and increased generation costs through the need for increased diesel generation.

In 2004, the PNG Power Board and Management initiated a program to refurbish or replace the Rouna 2 facility. International engineering consultants were appointed to develop engineering and contract specifications. In August 2005, PNG Power called for tenders for the overhaul of the power station. Tenders closed in early 2006 and several proposals were received from international engineering contractors.

In September 2006, PNG Power signed a contract with VA Tech of Austria for the refurbishment of the Rouna 2 power station at an estimated cost of K118m (including PNG Power engineering and project management costs). The project is scheduled to take 30 months. The refurbishment and equipment replacement project will provide an increase in energy output through improved turbine and generator efficiency - reducing the requirement for diesel generation in the Port Moresby power system.