The Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has signed the Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership with Australia, Japan, the United States and New Zealand, whose aim is to provide power to 70 per cent of the country’s population by 2030. Currently, only 13 per cent of PNG’s population has reliable access to electricity.
This $20B project is a new opportunity for OSH. Demand for domestic gas will soar and with JV production set to double there will be a plentiful supply.
Also note that:
Beyond the obvious benefits to PNG, the deal appears designed to counter the influence of China in the Pacific.
In September, there were reports that China was pressuring PNG to sign a US$1.25 billion deal for a new 180MW hydro plant ahead of the APEC summit.
Horizon Oil's WLNG will have a major role in the electrification project in the Western Province. The PNG Govt has effectively blocked the Chinese from buying Repsol's stake in the WLNG. Opportunity for OSH to counter offer?
OSH Price at posting:
$7.22 Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held