Upstream Section
TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited (TEP PNG) is the project Operator for the Papua LNG Project, responsible for the integrated management of the project. It will be responsible for the construction and operation of the onshore Gulf Province facilities and offshore Gulf of Papua pipelines, collectively referred to as the Upstream components. TEP PNG manages all relevant decision-making, stewardship, monitoring and planning within its scope of responsibility.
For upstream activities, Papua LNG implements an Environmental and Social Management System designed to deliver best-in-class environmental and social performance across all phases of the Project. It is structured as a phased system covering construction, operations and decommissioning, ensuring continuity and continuous improvement throughout the Project lifecycle.
The system is built on a comprehensive set of inputs, including environmental and social studies, regulatory requirements, international standards and corporate frameworks. It integrates the expertise and management systems of the Project’s operators, while adapting to different risk profiles at each stage of development.
Standards and Commitments
Papua LNG’s upstream ESMS is designed to comply with:
- Papua New Guinea’s regulatory framework
- IFC Performance Standard 2012 and associated guidance documents
- Equator Principles IV
- Operator policies, standards and commitments
These frameworks require a proactive and anticipatory approach to risk management, based on the application of the mitigation hierarchy that avoids impacts wherever possible, minimizes impacts that cannot be avoided, restores affected environments and, finally, compensates or offsets residual impacts. This structured approach is embedded from early design through to operations.
Impact Assessments
The Environmental and Social Management System is grounded in detailed environmental and social studies carried out during project development. Two Environmental Impact Statements, supported by broader Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessments, were developed to meet regulatory requirements and define the Project’s environmental and social baseline.
These studies:
- Characterize environmental conditions and ecosystem sensitivities
- Assess potential impacts on communities, health and livelihoods
- Define mitigation measures and monitoring requirements
In parallel, Human Rights Impact Assessments were conducted to identify and address potential impacts on the rights of workers and local communities, including land use, access to resources and community well-being.
These assessments are complemented by extensive stakeholder engagement, including Informed Consultation and Participation, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent, ensuring that local communities are actively involved in project development.
In addition, an Independent Environmental and Social Consultant (IESC) has been appointed to conduct Environmental and Social Due Diligence on behalf of lenders, providing independent verification of the Project’s alignment with Papua New Guinean regulations and international standards.
Architecture and Implementation
The Environmental and Social Management System is implemented through a structured and comprehensive set of environmental and social management plans and procedures, developed from the findings of the Environmental Impact Statements and supplementary studies.
Its architecture combines:
- Theme-based plans, covering key areas such as biodiversity, natural resources, pollution prevention, labour and community impacts
- Activity-based plans, addressing specific operational activities and associated risks
These plans are further translated into contractor implementation procedures, ensuring that requirements defined at Project level are consistently applied on the ground.
Together, they:
- Define mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures
- Assign responsibilities and ensure oversight
- Support adaptive management as new data becomes available
Biodiversity approach
To minimize our impact in a sustainable way and achieve ‘Biodiversity Net Gain,’ Papua LNG has developed a Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (BES) Policy to guide the development of the project and protect the Biodiversity and Ecosystems Service values of the projects area.
Avoidance and Mitigation in Practice
Avoidance and Mitigation are embedded at the core of project design and execution. Priority is given to avoiding impacts wherever possible, including through:
- Optimizing facility locations and reducing physical footprints
- Reusing existing infrastructure corridors and previously disturbed areas
- Rerouting infrastructure to avoid sensitive habitats and critical areas
Where impacts cannot be avoided, measures are implemented to minimize their extent and severity. These include adapting construction methods, scheduling activities to avoid sensitive periods and applying targeted environmental controls.
This approach is supported by detailed mitigation measures defined in the Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental and Social Management Plans and associated technical studies, ensuring that all actions are tracked, monitored and continuously improved.
Restoration and Rehabilitation
Restoration is a key component of the Project’s environmental commitments. The Environmental and Social Management System includes dedicated plans for the rehabilitation of project footprints during and after construction, including well pads, access roads, temporary facilities and operational areas.
This approach combines:
- Natural regeneration for smaller disturbed areas
- Site-specific assisted rehabilitation for more complex environments
- Progressive restoration during construction phases
Rehabilitation is supported by monitoring programs, including remote sensing and field-based ecological surveys, to assess vegetation recovery and ecosystem performance over time.
Community, Biodiversity and Development
The upstream Environmental and Social Management System reflects the Project’s broader commitment to sustainable development in Papua New Guinea. This includes:
- Achieving No Net Loss and Net Gain in biodiversity
- Delivering employment, skills development and local opportunities
- Implementing a Benefits Sharing Agreement to distribute benefits to landowners and authorities
All initiatives are designed and implemented in a culturally appropriate manner, reflecting sustained engagement with local communities.
Our strategy and actions are defined with the support of local NGOs, communities and authorities before final validation. Partners, contractors, and suppliers will be held to the high standards of TotalEnergies, to ensure the successful delivery of a world-class Project.
Monitoring, Reporting and Continuous improvement
The ESMS establishes a robust framework for monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement. Environmental and social performance is tracked throughout the Project lifecycle using defined indicators, field monitoring programs and reporting systems.
Following financial close, dedicated provisions ensure continued oversight, including the ongoing role of the Independent Environmental and Social Consultant.
Through this structured, data-driven and adaptive system, Papua LNG ensures that upstream activities are managed responsibly, transparently and in line with the highest international standards.
Construction Phase
During construction, the Construction Environmental and Social Manual (CESM) will define the actions required to mitigate environmental and social impacts associated with building the Papua LNG Project. It provided a comprehensive framework that guided all activities throughout this phase.