Muam Danop (Damap) Hydropower Project

Assessing

renewable

energy

potential

in

Papua

New

Guinea

A winding river flowing through a dense tropical rainforest surrounded by green mountains.

The Muam Danop (Damap) Hydropower Project supports Papua New Guinea’s transition towards renewable energy, where hydropower plays a central role in strengthening energy security and reducing reliance on diesel generation. The project aligns with the Government of Papua New Guinea’s long-term ambition to achieve 100% renewable electricity generation by 2050.

SMEC, an SJ Group company, has been engaged by PNG Power Limited to undertake a feasibility study for the Muam Danop (Damap) Hydropower Project in Aitape-Lumi District, West Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. The project is located near PNG Power operations in Aitape, Maprik, Vanimo and Wewak, providing an option for these centres to be connected through a radial transmission network.

The study will be delivered over an estimated 16-month period and is structured in two phases: an initial Optioneering Study (Phase 1), followed by a Detailed Feasibility Study (Phase 2). Earlier studies identified the project as having a potential capacity of 5 -10 MW. The feasibility study will comfirm the optimum generation capacity of the project.

Developing viable hydropower solutions

Phase 1 of the study focuses on reviewing previous prefeasibility studies, including earlier work undertaken by SMEC, alongside data collection, site visits and a project optioneering study. This phase will assess multiple development options and refine potential project layouts to be taken forward into the Detailed Feasibility Study.

Location

Aitape-Lumi District, West Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

Client

PNG Power Limited

Status

Ongoing feasibility study (2026)

Duration

~16 months

Expertise

Hydropower Energy & Renewables Environmental and Social Advisory Physical Infrastructure

to 10 MW potential hydropower capacity
based on previous studies
and site findings

months

feasibility study
programme

phases

Optioneering Study + Detailed Feasibility Study

The optioneering process includes desktop hydrology assessments, evaluation of river characteristics and terrain and high-level comparative assessment of alternative configurations. This structured approach will support the identification of a technically feasible and economically viable preferred option for further development.

A site visit forms an important component of this phase, enabling the project team to better understand the proposed headworks and power station locations, as well as surrounding site conditions to inform the scope of detailed investigations.

Comprehensive feasibility and site investigations

Phase 2 will involve a detailed feasibility study of the selected project. This includes feasibility-level engineering design, cost estimation, preliminary economic and financial analysis, and an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).

Extensive site investigations will also be undertaken to build a robust understanding of the project area. These include:

Topographic surveys and mapping
Geotechnical site investigations and geological assessments
Construction materials investigations
Hydrological studies

These activities will provide the technical evidence base required to assess the viability of the hydropower scheme and inform subsequent decision-making.

This study represents an important step in evaluating the potential for hydropower development in West Sepik Province. By combining early-stage technical assessments with detailed investigations, we are supporting a robust, evidence-based approach to inform future renewable energy investment decision for PPL in West Sepik, Papua New Guinea.

— Sujan Ghimire, Regional Lead, Dams & Hydropower, Papua New Guinea

Supporting renewable energy development in PNG

Through this engagement, SMEC will draw on its experience in hydropower development, infrastructure planning and environmental assessment to support PNG Power Limited in advancing its renewable energy programme.

The study is a key step towards evaluating hydropower potential in West Sepik Province and contributes to broader efforts to expand sustainable energy infrastructure across Papua New Guinea.