Energy & Utilities
From The Report: Ghana 2017
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Ghana’s energy consumption continues to expand, underlining the urgency of boosting generation capacity and improving access to power. While the government is working to further streamline the utilities sector and increase installed capacity to improve efficiency and ensure supply, it is also looking for private partners to assist with securing funding and reforming a number of its core projects and institutions.
This chapter contains interviews with Alexander Mould, Acting CEO, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation; George Yankey, CEO, Ghana National Gas Company; and Kirk Koffi, CEO, Volta River Authority.
Articles from this Chapter
Silver linings: Despite some challenges, the sector is poised for growth
The price is right: New projects still vulnerable to fluctuations in energy pricesOBGplus
Low oil prices have had a significant impact on producers. According to a 2015 study by consultancy Wood Mackenzie, following the price drop, well over $200bn in spending on oil and gas projects around the world has been deferred, and roughly 250,000 industry employees globally have lost their jobs. This has been magnified in commodity-dependent emerging markets across Africa. Gabon reduced its 2016 budget in response to low oil income and has faced cash flow challenges, while Algeria has run a current…
Outside the box : The government is encouraging more innovation in the sectorOBGplus
Ghana’s current energy shortage and the effects of climate change on a number of sectors are driving the exploration of renewable energy use. Since the country’s electricity needs currently exceed existing supply, and electricity and gas tariffs are increasing, the government is encouraging the diversification of its energy sources, creating a number of opportunities for investment in and development of alternative energies. In its 2010-13 Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework, the…
Supply and demand: Alexander Mould, Acting CEO, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), on boosting exploration and productionOBGplus
Interview: Alexander Mould What needs to be done to ensure the development of the Tweneboa, Enyenra and Ntomme (TEN) fields remains on schedule? ALEXANDER MOULD As you probably know, the project is being developed in phases. The oil system has been completely commissioned, and we achieved TEN first oil on August 18, 2016. First gas is expected in early 2017. One key outstanding issue is the gas sales agreement between GNPC and the TEN joint-venture partners. This should be completed by the end…
Into the mix: George Yankey, CEO, Ghana National Gas Company, on the steps being taken to meet domestic demandOBGplus
Interview: George Yankey Which fields have come on-stream recently and what sites are set to do so in the near term? GEORGE YANKEY: Ghana’s projected gas demand is expected to exceed indigenous production estimates for at least the next 10 years. Associated gas is currently produced by the Jubilee field in the offshore West Cape Three Points (WCTP) block. The field, which started commercial production in 2010, can produce up to 120m standard cu feet per day (scfd), and it is estimated to have…
Balance of power: A number of projects in the pipeline are expected to improve grid reliabilityOBGplus
Even amidst a broader economic slowdown, Ghana’s energy consumption continues to expand, underlining the urgency of boosting generation capacity and improving access to power. Over the past few years, problems with imported supply and low levels of rainfall have constricted feedstock for the country’s power plants, resulting in bouts of load shedding – known locally asdumsor. The issues are far from unique to Ghana, and other countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa face similar…
Efficient and diverse: Kirk Koffi, CEO, Volta River Authority (VRA), on strengthening and diversifying energy sourcesOBGplus
Interview: Kirk Koffi What role will coal play in Ghana’s energy mix? KIRK KOFFI: Worldwide, coal generation’s share of the energy supply is 40%, and although in some countries coal use is being reduced, the overall figure will not decrease soon. Ghana is looking at importing coal to diversify its power-generation capabilities. Ghana is a lower-middle-income country, and so electricity should be affordable and reliable. Ghanaians cannot rely on one source of energy. In the case of relying on…
Domino effect: Economic concerns affect the prices consumers pay for powerOBGplus
According to the Association of Ghana Industries’ first quarter 2016 Business Barometer, 71% of businesses cited high utility prices as their primary constraint to growth. Energy-intensive consumers, like those in the industrial sector, were hit hardest by tariff changes. In the first half of 2016 crude oil prices remained relatively stable; however, the price experienced by consumers fluctuated significantly. Petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) increased roughly 12.41%, 12.31%…
