Ghana Targets 150% Power Increase

Ghana has targeted to increase electricity generation from the current capacity of 2,000 MW by 150 percent in 2015.

This is to bridge the shortfall in the sector, crucial to the growing Ghanaian economy which is expected to hit 13.6 percent Gross Domestic Product this year.

“We must meet our national power demand. This implies in practical terms that government improves the huge losses in the distribution network, strengthens and expands the transmission network and increase the installed generation capacity,” Dr. Joe Oteng Adjei, Energy Minister, said at the ongoing first ever Power and Electricity Expo.

To this end, government has indicated its intention of partnering the private sector to develop the sector by producing new source of energy such as solar and wind.

Dr. Oteng Adjei said “Government recognizes that it cannot do this alone. That is why we have also made it a matter of policy to encourage private sector participation in the development of the sector and also to encourage programmes such as this.”

Some of the challenges facing the energy sector include securing long-term reliable and relatively cheaper fuel for the operation of thermal power plants, achieving cost recovery for electricity services in spite of relatively low incomes among others.

But the energy minister stressed that exploring best technologies, new and innovative ways of financing energy sector projects, and better risk sharing and management was key to making the power sector a success.

Aside government’s effort to exploit the gas potential of the jubilee field whose infrastructure is expected to be ready by December 2012, he added that it was keenly negotiating for more gas from Nigerian suppliers to be shipped through the West Africa Gas Pipeline.

The Power and Electricity Expo will provide the energy sector, particularly the power sub-sector stakeholders the opportunity to dialogue, network, to exploit new opportunities, as well as provide a platform for companies in the energy sector to showcase their products.

The objective of the event was to bring under one roof, policy makers, energy experts, producers, distributors and manufacturers of power and electrical products, together with related industries to share in common interests and take advantage of new trends in the industry.

Companies taking part in the expo include Takoradi International Company, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi National Energy Company and the Volta River Authority, Reroy Cables, Mantrac Ghana Limited and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission.

About 25 firms are expected to exhibit their products.