The CEO of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, has emphasized that Ghana’s energy security depends on three critical measures: maintaining fuel supply, ensuring efficient maintenance of power plants, and improving the reliability of transmission and distribution networks. In light of the Ghana Energy Crisis, these measures are crucial.
Dr. Apetorgbor explained that having consistent backup fuel supplies is non-negotiable to prevent disruptions in electricity generation, especially during emergencies. Ghana Energy Crisis has highlighted the need for this approach.
“At all times, there should be fuel, liquid fuel in our storage tanks. If we really want to be reliable in the supply of electricity, this is non-negotiable,” he noted in an interview with The High Street Journal.
He stressed the importance of proper maintenance schedules for power generation facilities to avoid situations where unplanned outages impact electricity supply. He added that ensuring transmission and distribution networks are in good condition is equally critical to delivering power efficiently to consumers.
“If we generate the power, but the transmission system is faulty, there is no way the power will be evacuated to the distributor to carry on,” he explained.
The recommendations come as Ghana faces a looming energy crisis, with the government racing to secure USD 89.9 million to purchase liquid fuel for power generation. This measure is crucial to sustaining electricity supply during the scheduled maintenance of the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGP) in January 2025. Such measures are part of the larger effort to address the Ghana Energy Crisis.
The pipeline maintenance, known as pigging, will halt the supply of natural gas from Nigeria for a month, raising fears of widespread power outages, commonly referred to as dumsor.
GRIDCo has warned of a significant power generation deficit during this period, as thermal plants in Tema, including Cenpower, Asogli, AKSA, and KTPP, rely heavily on natural gas and currently lack sufficient liquid fuel reserves to bridge the gap.
To address the crisis, GRIDCo has proposed urgent measures, including immediate fuel procurement, optimizing limited gas resources by aligning production schedules with ENI and Tullow, and adding 244.66 MW of dependable power generation by late 2025. These proposals are crucial in overcoming the ongoing Ghana Energy Crisis.
Procuring 129 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of natural gas or its liquid equivalent is also essential to meet demand.
The maintenance activity was initially planned for October 2024 but was postponed by the outgoing administration, leaving limited time for contingency planning. In response, the new administration has held emergency meetings with key stakeholders and formed a task force to deliver a roadmap to mitigate the crisis.
Dr. Apetorgbor’s recommendations reflect the urgent need for coordinated action among stakeholders to stabilize Ghana’s energy supply. As he put it, “These three things are very key. For us to ensure energy security, we must look at these issues comprehensively. They shouldn’t take us by surprise.”
