Work is about to begin on the largest gas-fired power station in sub-Saharan Africa, taking advantage of Ghana’s hydrocarbon reserves.
The plant, to be built near the town of Beyin in southern Ghana, will generate 300GW, or about 15% of the country’s present installed capacity, when complete.
The first phase, with a capacity of 140MW, will come online in August next year.
The project is to be developed by Ghanaian private company WUTA Energy and Cummins Cogeneration (CCL), a joint venture between US engineer Cummins and British renewables specialist Gentec Energy. The venture was set up in 2009 and has already built a number of smaller gas burning plants in Nigeria and Kenya.
The plant will generate additional energy from what its own waste heat.
Deepak Khilnani, the chairman of CCL, commented: "Since the discovery of Ghana’s natural gas reserves, it has been expected that gas would play a prominent role in the country’s energy sector. As a leading organisation in this industry, CCL is thrilled to be taking steps towards meeting Ghana’s energy needs."
David Brigidi, the chief executive of WUTA Energy, said the project would offer a "major improvement to the Ghanaian energy sector and accord Ghanaians employment and training in various aspect of the power generation business".
He added: "The Beyin Power Plant Project will not only increase the total energy base the country requires, but it will also jumpstart economic activities especially in the catchment communities which will enhance the living standard of the people."
