BUSINESS survival north of the Daintree River could hinge on the approval of an innovative new power plant.

Russell O'Doherty, Chairman of the Daintree Rainforest Power Committee, said a ground breaking new concept in hybrid power generation would ensure sustainable employment, and also address the satellite broadband, television and mobile coverage problems north of the river.

His committee has proposed a new three megawatt, multi-million dollar energy facility be built that would power all Daintree businesses and residents using base load power - similar to grid electricity - with 'no environmental impacts at all' to the World Heritage Listed region.

"This has been an ongoing issue for a long time and we've come up with this option which I think will mean the survival of businesses within the community," O'Doherty said.

"If business survives that means there will be more employment in the local community, which at the moment it's sadly lacking north of the river.

"This project would deliver the same base load power we'd get from grid connectivity, it's totally environmentally friendly and does not produce one ounce of pollution.

"It is an amazing piece of ingenuity and technology."

If given the green light, power would need to be constructed under ground to all private properties from Forrest Creek to Cape Tribulation. O'Doherty said the option was far superior to wind and solar energy because it didn't rely on the elements.

"Solar power is the most expensive form of power available and in this climate it just doesn't work," he said.

"We've negotiated a price with the backers of this plant that have got the worldwide rights to the manufacturing and distribution, they're putting all the money up so they're the ones taking all the risk.

"All we have to do is pay 30 cents a kilowatt locked in for the next 20 years and we actually believe we can get it down lower than that," O'Doherty said.

The Wet Tropics Management Authority, set up to help protect the world heritage area, were 'exploring the projects viability', according to Director Scott Buchanan, while Ergon Energy had seen the presentation.

Kellie Roberts from award winning reef tour company Ocean Safari, said a better power supply could only help local business operators in the Daintree and alternatives should be looked at.

The majority of businesses in the Daintree currently rely on power generators, while solar and hydropower is also used.

"We are limited up here and absolutely need better power," Roberts said.

"Businesses struggle with limited internet and phone connection, and while some of the local residents might not mind, business would definitely benefit if improved."