The Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) will now be working alongside the Ihu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Development Company to conduct a feasibility study on power generation solution for the SEZ in the Gulf province. This was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between KPHL and Ihu SEZ in Port Moresby on Tuesday, 27th June. KPHL Managing Director Mr. Wapo Sonk said they will look at the most appropriate power solution for the Ihu SEZ, which could include renewable energy source like hydro. The Managing Director for the Ihu SEZ Development Company, Mr. Peter Kengemar, said the Ihu SEZ was established in 2020 and is geographically and strategically located close to the well- heads and pipeline of the Papua LNG project in the Gulf province. “The SEZ has been designed for industrial downstream processing and will not be viable unless they have access to a source of affordable electricity,” said Mr. Kengemar. Mr. Sonk later explained that KPHL will carry out full feasibility studies on potential source for the generation of electricity and make recommendations on those that are commercially viable. “As the national petroleum and energy company, KPHL stands ready to provide appropriate power solutions for the country’s Special Economic Zones,” said Mr. Sonk. The MoU signing is a follow up from the agreement that was signed between the Minister of International Trade and Investment Richard Maru and KPHL earlier this year, as part of the progress of development of the Ihu SEZ.