SMEC in PNG at a glance

• 50 years in Papua New Guinea (since 1976)
• First PNG project: Highlands Highway Project
• Around 50 staff in PNG, with approximately 80% Papua New Guinean employees
• Long-standing partnerships with government agencies, utilities, communities and development partners
• Multidisciplinary expertise spanning transport, energy, water, environment, urban development and strategic infrastructure planning.

Supporting PNG through every chapter

SMEC’s journey in PNG reflects the country’s evolving infrastructure priorities. Through long-standing partnerships with organisations such as PNG Power Limited, Water PNG, PNG Ports, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank (WB) and other international development partners, we have helped deliver projects that strengthen essential infrastructure while building local capability and resilience.

Transport has been a defining part of SMEC’s journey in Papua New Guinea. From the Highlands Highway Project to major transport infrastructure initiatives including the National Roads and Bridges Project, the Nine Bridges Project in Madang and East Sepik Provinces, and work supporting PNG’s port infrastructure including Lae Port, SMEC has helped strengthen connectivity between communities, services and markets across the country.

SMEC has also contributed to sector-wide improvements through the PNG-Australia Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP), supporting roads, maritime and aviation infrastructure while helping strengthen governance, capacity building and coordination across the transport sector.

Equally important has been the development of local capability, with generations of Papua New Guinean engineers, technical specialists and project professionals contributing to infrastructure delivery across the country. Today, SMEC’s PNG team comprises around 50 staff, with approximately 80% being Papua New Guinean, reflecting our commitment to developing local capability and supporting the communities in which we work.

Supporting communities beyond infrastructure

Beyond infrastructure delivery, we have also sought to create positive social impact through initiatives supported by the SMEC Foundation and our local partnerships. In Papua New Guinea, these efforts have included supporting improved access to resilient water supply for the Wom community and public beach, as well as partnering with WaterAid to help address gender inequality in schools and support better educational outcomes.

Together, these programs reflect our belief that creating lasting value extends beyond infrastructure and includes supporting stronger, more resilient communities for future generations.

Powering PNG’s future

Today, SMEC continues to support Papua New Guinea’s energy transition through projects that improve reliability, expand access and unlock renewable energy opportunities.

The ADB-supported Power Sector Development Project (PSDP) is helping strengthen and expand PNG’s electricity network, supporting approximately 56,000 new customer connections through new transmission and distribution infrastructure. As Construction Supervision Consultant, SMEC is supporting PNG Power Limited in delivering infrastructure that will improve network performance while strengthening long-term operational capability.

Our hydropower expertise continues to support PNG’s renewable energy ambitions through projects including Edevu, Divune, Upper Baiune and Baime hydropower projects which are now in operation, as well as newer initiatives such as the Muam Danop (Damap) Hydropower Project in West Sepik Province.

Over the past 15 years, SMEC has played a role in the development of the country’s new hydropower projects, helping expand renewable energy generation and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive power sources, contributing to projects such as Yonki Dam and Pauanda Hydropower Scheme.

To help meet PNG’s growing energy needs and support future industrial growth, SMEC is actively undertaking prefeasibility and feasibility studies for a range of hydropower projects across the country. Once developed, these projects have the potential to play a significant role in strengthening PNG’s energy sector and supporting economic growth.

SMEC has also contributed to the refurbishment and rehabilitation of existing hydropower assets across Papua New Guinea, helping extend the life, reliability and performance of critical energy infrastructure while supporting the country’s growing energy needs.

With support from the Australian Government, SMEC has also been engaged to undertake the feasibility study and tender design for PNG Power Limited’s 75 MW Ramu Hydropower Project in Eastern Highlands Province. Once completed, the refurbishment is expected to improve reliability and increase energy output, demonstrating how strategic upgrades can maximise existing infrastructure and help meet growing demand across the country.

Unlocking new opportunities for growth

Alongside infrastructure delivery, SMEC is helping shape the next generation of economic opportunities in Papua New Guinea.

A key example is the Finschhafen Integrated Special Economic Zone (FISEZ) in Morobe Province. Working with the Finschhafen District Development Authority (FDDA), SMEC developed the FISEZ Masterplan, integrating land use, infrastructure, energy transition and sustainability considerations into a long-term vision for growth. The program has since progressed into multiple feasibility studies across renewable energy, fisheries, downstream processing and industrial development, supporting investment attraction and economic diversification.

Projects such as FISEZ demonstrate how strategic planning, technical expertise and strong partnerships can help create the conditions for future investment, employment and community prosperity.

Looking ahead

As SMEC marks 50 years in Papua New Guinea, this milestone is not only a celebration of what has been achieved together, but also an opportunity to look ahead to the next chapter of partnership, investment and sustainable development.

From the Highlands Highway Project in the 1970s to today’s work in renewable energy, transport, water and economic development, SMEC has supported infrastructure that helps connect communities, strengthen resilience and create opportunities across Papua New Guinea.

For 50 years, SMEC has been privileged to work alongside our clients, partners and communities in Papua New Guinea. While we are proud of what has been achieved together, this milestone is an opportunity to focus on the future. The strength of Papua New Guinea has always been its people, and our mutual success has been built on the relationships and trust developed over generations. As the country’s infrastructure needs continue to evolve, we remain committed to delivering practical, future-ready solutions that help unlock opportunity, strengthen resilience and support sustainable growth for generations to come.