The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has cut the sod for the commencement of construction of the 400-MegaWatt Bridge Power project, the world’s largest LPG-fired power plant.
At the ground-breaking ceremony, at Tema, on Thursday, 27th April, 2017, President Akufo-Addo noted that the $1 billion project is consistent with his government’s vision of making Ghana self-sufficient in electricity for industrial and domestic use, and to drive the country’s socio-economic development.
This project, the President revealed, would be one of several initiatives that will be introduced along the power supply value chain in order to achieve a cost effective, efficient and sustainable energy sector.
With Ghana not having fared well in negotiations with private power producers in recent years, especially as such agreements were negotiated during emergency periods and times of power shortages, President Akufo-Addo noted that the government he leads, nonetheless, is a natural cheerleader for the private sector, but will do so within the framework of protecting the public purse.
“For us laypersons, our interest in these agreements rests largely on cost, reliability and flexibility. I am glad to learn the plant will be able to operate on LPG, natural gas, and diesel, and this flexibility will allow the plant to continue producing power in times of disruption in the supply of any one of the fuel types.
I am also glad to note that the project has been specifically designed to switch to Ghana’s own natural gas, once available. This should help advance our strategy to leverage natural gas as a long-term source of fuel, central to the operation of the power sector,” he said.
Having announced an ambitious plan to develop and transform the structure of the Ghanaian economy, the President stated that he was looking forward to working with Early Power Limited to help his government fulfill its vision of creating a modern, efficient, diversified, and financially sustainable energy economy.
“I intend to grow this economy industrially, and that can be achieved when we have adequate, cost effective and sustainable power supply. The programmes this government has lined up to undertake, such as the ‘One District, One Factory’, and the ‘One Village One Dam’ projects, will all require significant amounts of electricity.
The power produced in this country must be cost effective, efficient and sustainable. I am informed that the technology of this Early Power project is one of the most efficient types in the world, and we are happy you chose it for Ghana,” he said.
As stated in the State of the Nation Address, President Akufo-Addo indicated that his government has commenced actions that will improve transparency in tariff setting, adding that “we aim to introduce very soon a new tariff policy that will reclassify consumer categories in order to protect lifeline and strategic industrial consumers.”
The President assured the private producers of this project that Ghana will be a great place to do business under his watch, indicating further that the sector ministers will work with the private producers to address any challenges that may arise during the implementation of the project.
“It is my expectation that they will be able to address these challenges satisfactorily, for they are all very competent in their domain, but, if, indeed, it becomes necessary, which I hope it will not, to go higher up the chain of authority, I want you to know that my doors will always be open. I do, on the other hand, insist that, on your part, you play according to the rules and regulations of the sector and the country as a whole,” he added.
Whilst pledging to make electricity available under his administration, President Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians to make sure that electricity is used efficiently.
“Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Switch off fans when not needed. Iron your clothes in bulk. These are just a few, simple actions we can all take. Not only will you be saving money for yourself, but these habits are acts of citizenship and common humanity. For the industrial customers, I urge you to use energy efficient machinery and equipment at your facilities. These human attitudes prove that, even when you have power, you care enough to save what you do not need so others, too, may have,” he added.
Source: Peacefmonline.com
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watch this date October 25, 2016, 1:48 PM GMT+1 General Electric Co., Endeavor Energy Resources LP and Sage Petroleum Ltd. won approval from Ghanaian lawmakers for the construction of the world’s largest liquefied petroleum gas fired power plant and a 20-year purchase agreement with the nation’s electricity distribution utility. The Early Power consortium will develop the 400 megawatt Bridge Power venture in two phases to start producing 144 megawatt for the Electricity Corporation of Ghana by the middle of next year, Endeavor said in an e-mailed statement on Tuesday. The plant will be built in the port city of Tema, about 26 kilometers (16 miles) east of the capital, Accra, Endeavor said. “When completed, it will be the largest LPG gas fired power plant in the world,” Endeavor said. The plant will be “capable of being fueled by natural gas and diesel” as well. Ghana is seeking to double its installed capacity of about 2,800 megawatts by 2020 as power shortages weigh on economic growth. Electricity demand in the West African nation is growing at about 12 percent per year, President John Dramani Mahama, who is standing for re-election in December, said last year. The cost of the project’s development and construction will be paid in full through the equity invested and debt raised by the venture, Endeavor said, without elaborating further.so that is that JM Toaso
Who cut the sod for the BUI power plant?
Everything, including the creation of Adam and Eve was initiated by ndc. Krazy folks.
Was it not sammy awuku who said in upper east that military form will be free. why are they selling it for 100 cedis. heer these guys are deceptive. and Haruna Iddrissu and co are sitting down taking bribe without hitting them hard on their failed promises.
Thanks JDM. Your legend klives on. now some one is reaping fruit from Incompetent JM. Glotec is almost done withe the 12 inches gas pipeline and Akuffo Addo is commission what incompetent JM made. JM no shaken
Give credit to the former Govt. and don't make it look as if it's your initiative. This project had received Cabinet and Parliamentary approval under the former regime. you are cutting the sod because they lost elections.
abi u said we no go infrastructure
We need bigger capacities. This is small. I000 to start with
This is what I called a good leader not to go and negotiate for something you can easily Creat or develop and become yours for ever. God bless Ghanaian for bringing The man into Power ..I love ❤️ you more Mr President .. Oya Chop Kiss 😘..
This is a fine project. Good one trhere mr. President!