Karpower is ‘the cheapest thermal plant’ in Ghana - Jinapor

Karpower is the cheapest thermal power plant in Ghana currently, the Deputy Minister of Power has said.

“Today as I speak Karpower is the cheapest thermal plant in the system.” John Jinapor claimed that is why government is investing in other power barges from the Turkish firm.

He said hydro-power is cheap but since it is not predictable as a result of its dependence on water, it cannot be fully depended upon.

Mr Jinapor lamented how water level in the Akosombo Dam has plummeted to an all-time low, affecting the country’s energy generation capacity. Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM on Monday, July 4, the Deputy Power Minister said government is expecting another 450-megawatt power barge this year.

‘Combined-cycle mode’

Mr Jinapor admitted that the cost of fuel is having a toll on most of the plants.

Therefore, he pointed out, government is converting all the plants into a combined-cycle mode.

“When you do that, you reduce your cost of production in terms of your variable cost.” Ghana’s energy generation capacity has reduced in recent times, forcing a loadshedding exercise in some communities.

According to the deputy minister, the situation will improve within the week, by July 8 to be precise.