Energy Minister, John Peter Amewu tours Takoradi Regulating and Metering Station
The expansion works at the Takoradi Regulating and Metering Station which is being operated by the Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) is now about 70% complete, Maxwell Kalli who is the Project Manager has said.
The facility which currently has a storage capacity of about 150 mmscf upon completion would have a storage capacity of about 400mmscf.
The completion of the expansion works would pave way for the relocation of 470 MW Karpowership plant from Tema Fishing Harbour in the Greater Accra Region to the Western Naval Base in Sekondi.
The Karpowership was expected to be relocated to Takoradi in the middle of this year unfortunately that could not happen due to some challenges.
Briefing the Minister for Energy, John Peter Amewu during an inspection tour of the facility Mr. Kalli, said the project is now on course.
He noted that the initial challenges had been resolved and assured the Minister that all the partners are collaborating to ensure that the project is completed by the end of December this year.
The Minister's inspection tour also took him to the Aboadze Thermal Power Plant being operated by the Volta River Authority (VRA), AMERI Power Plant, West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO) and Western Naval Base in Secondi, where the Karpowership would be berthed.
Speaking to the media, Mr John Peter Amewu stressed the need for Ghana Gas and its partners to expedite action on the project.
He argued that Ghana risks losing about US$ 40million monthly should the relocation of Karpowership from Tema to the Western Region further delays.
Government is anticipating that the relocation of Karpowership to Western Region would cut down the cost of fueling the plant.
"When ENI gas comes on board what is going to happen is that there is going to be a stranded gas here. There would be no room for consumption but you all know that we have Karpowership which is in Tema and that is relying on heavy fuel which is very expensive so the expectation is that when you bring it to this place the difference in gas consumption which is almost about 60mmscf to 70mmscf can go to Karpowership and that can reduce our obligation," he observed.
"That is why we expect it to be completed as soon as possible but we have all seen the delays that has come from the agencies so it is proper that we drive them," he concluded.
According to Hon. Peter Amewu, Karpowership is expected to be finally relocated to Western Region in March 2019.
