By Dorcas Kang’ereha
The government has urged Symbion Power, a US energy firm to accelerate its 450 megawatt gas to electricity project to ensure that at least the first 100 megawatts of power is available in early 2015. The power plant is estimated to cost as much as US$600 million.
According to the Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Buah, said that the first 100 megawatts of power would help stem the recurring power shortfalls in the country. He added that government will allocate land for the project to ensure that gas is provided to Symbion on time for the commissioning.
Paul Hinks, CEO of Symbion, in an interview confirmed that they have responded positively to this request from Ghana and they will work hand in hand with the government and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) who want them to deliver the first megawatts within a year of signing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The energy firm has already received proposals from gas turbine manufacturers and suppliers in the United States and they will begin negotiations for the plant and equipment soon.
