Ghana is facing a potential power crisis as the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) prepares to shut down for maintenance from January 20 to February 16, 2025.
A report by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has revealed that the country needs to secure approximately $90 million to purchase alternative fuel to maintain power generation during the shutdown period.
The WAGP pipeline is a crucial source of natural gas for power generation in Ghana. However, the upcoming maintenance, which includes pigging (cleaning) and valve replacement, will necessitate a complete shutdown of gas flow.
This will significantly impact power generation, particularly in the Tema region where several power plants rely heavily on gas from the pipeline.
GRIDCo’s report outlines strategies to mitigate the impact of the shutdown. These include:
Rescheduling planned generator shutdowns that coincide with the WAGP maintenance period.
Securing alternative fuel sources, such as light crude oil, to power thermal plants.
Implementing load shedding measures as a last resort to maintain grid stability.
The report emphasizes the urgency of securing the necessary funds to purchase alternative fuel. Failure to do so could lead to widespread power outages and negatively impact economic activities.
The government
is currently working on securing the required funds and implementing the necessary measures to avert a major power crisis.
Below is the full statement from GRIDCo:
