Green Data Centre Bankable Feasibility Study
As demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow, integrated and sustainable solutions are becoming increasingly important.
SMEC, an SJ Group company, is delivering the technical scope for the Green Data Centre (GDC) Bankable Feasibility Study in Papua New Guinea for Garamut Connect Limited, supporting the development of next-generation digital infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific region.
The GDC project is a transformative initiative aimed at developing a renewable-powered, hyperscale-ready data centre campus at Green River in West Sepik Province. It brings together energy, connectivity and digital infrastructure into a single integrated development, designed to support secure data services and regional connectivity across the Indo-Pacific.
The project integrates a range of infrastructure components, including solar power generation, satellite communications and terrestrial fibre connectivity linking Papua New Guinea with international networks. Together, these elements are intended to form the foundation of a digital infrastructure corridor that supports cloud services, data hosting and improved connectivity for the region.
Building a bankable foundation for delivery
As Lead Technical Consultant, SMEC is responsible for delivering civil infrastructure, environmental and hydropower engineering across the feasibility study. This includes leading technical assessments, environmental and social baseline studies and sustainability planning, helping to establish a robust and bankable foundation for the project.
The study also incorporates a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach that aligns technical, environmental and commercial considerations. This integrated methodology supports early risk identification, strengthens project viability and ensures the development pathway is responsive to both stakeholder needs and international lender expectations.
The feasibility study is structured across a phased development pathway. Phase 1 focuses on delivering construction-ready technical designs for the initial campus, including a 5 MW solar generation facility, satellite gateway infrastructure, fibre connectivity and modular data centre facilities.
5
MW
initial solar generation capacity (Phase 1)
200
MW
nominal planned expansion capacity (Phase 2), subject to study outcomes
3
integrated infrastructure systems: energy, fibre and satellite connectivity
Supporting long-term growth and regional connectivity
Phase 2 will build on this foundation through large-scale expansion of both energy and digital infrastructure, including expanded solar generation, hydropower development and enhanced regional connectivity. This staged approach supports a clear pathway from feasibility to investment readiness and implementation.
A structured stage-gate framework underpins the feasibility study, ensuring rigorous quality assurance and alignment with lender requirements at each stage of development. This approach provides transparency and confidence for stakeholders, while supporting effective decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Through its involvement in the Green Data Centre project, SMEC is contributing to the development of sustainable, future-ready infrastructure that supports digital transformation and economic growth in Papua New Guinea and the wider region.
Ready
to
connect?
Talk to one of our specialists about our role in the Green Data Centre Project in PNG.