Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), Julie Shuttleworth AM, has just completed her visit in Papua New Guinea (PNG) where she met with local communities at the newly established FFI Purari hydropower project camp in Wabo (Gulf Province) and saw FFI's potential geothermal energy project areas of interest in West New Britain (WNB).
This follows the recent signing of the Master Development Agreement with the government of PNG, which allows FFI to commence feasibility studies for Purari and WNB.
Before heading into the communities, Ms Shuttleworth met with Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, Governor of Gulf Province Chris Haiveta, Governor WNB Sasindran Muthuvel, Member for Talesea Hon. Galia Francis Maneke, MP and other stakeholders, to reaffirm FFI's commitment to working with PNG in assessing the country's potential to develop renewable green hydrogen projects.
During her visit to Wabo, Ms Shuttleworth was warmly welcomed by the local community as she explained the potential benefits of the project such as the creation of training pathways, job opportunities and local business growth.
The local community leaders in Wabo and WNB expressed gratitude to have the CEO of FFI visit them and showed support to allow FFI to carry out studies within their community. There were many mentions of the excitement to see, and experience change and work closely with FFI to ensure they have a good working relationship to benefit their communities.
Ms. Shuttleworth expressed gratitude to the communities at Wabo as well as the communities of the Talasea District in WNB for the warm welcome, "Our team in PNG is working closely with local communities as we assess the feasibility of harnessing renewable energy in the region.
"It has been an honour to visit these wonderful, vibrant communities. Its very humbling to be welcomed in such a positive way.
"Wherever we operate, we are focused on delivering positive social, environmental and economic benefits, to ensure communities thrive from our presence.
"Renewable green hydrogen won't just revolutionise the way we power our planet. It will deliver positive opportunities for people, communities and countries around the world," Ms Shuttleworth said.
