Government secures alternative fuels to sustain power supply

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has assured Ghanaians that the government has secured enough alternative fuels to sustain electricity generation despite the shutdown of the West African Gas Pipeline.

According to him, the alternative fuels, including distillate fuel, heavy fuel oil, and light crude oil, will ensure a stable electricity supply across the country and keep power plants in the Tema enclave running without interruption.

He noted that while the shutdown has put additional pressure on the energy sector, the government is implementing measures to minimize disruptions, with GRIDCo coordinating efforts to maintain power supply.

“The situation is tight, but with the measures we have in place, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, we should be able to supply reliable and adequate power,” Mr. Jinapor said.

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, who made this known in an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic, said, “Light crude oil is expected to arrive on the 11th of February this year. However, it will take a minimum of two weeks to treat it.”

He explained that the shutdown, which began on February 5, 2025, and is expected to last until March 2, is necessary for the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) to carry out its mandatory Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) exercise.

The process, he said, will clean and inspect the 569-kilometer pipeline from Nigeria to Ghana, ensuring its safe and reliable operation. However, it will significantly reduce gas supply, affecting power plants that rely solely on gas.

“In the meantime, the country will have to rely on expensive liquid fuels,” the minister said.

Mr. Jinapor acknowledged that the country’s power sector remains fragile, with fuel supply challenges persisting. “We used to talk about excess capacity, but today our capacity is barely enough to meet demand. Any major breakdown could create a serious power deficit,” he cautioned.

He assured Ghanaians that the government is committed to ensuring long-term stability in the energy sector. “We are building on what we inherited to make the system more robust and reliable,” he stated.

The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to keeping the public informed and ensuring minimal disruptions. “We will continue to monitor the situation and update the public as necessary,” he added.

By: Hannah Addae