Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced that a nationwide power interruption is expected on Sunday, July 13. This will happen as part of maintenance work by the gas supplier, ENI.
The power disruption will be caused by a temporary shutdown of gas valves. This shutdown is needed to allow for repairs and improvements aimed at increasing Ghana’s gas output.
Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the 161kV Anwomaso to Kumasi transmission line on July 8, Mr. Jinapor explained that ENI’s planned maintenance will temporarily stop gas supply, leading to anticipated short-term power outages.
“This Sunday, July 13, ENI will turn off their valves temporarily to increase gas production to about 270 MMscf. It means that we are stabilising the energy sector,” he stated.
The Energy Minister assured the public that even though there might be some inconvenience, this upgrade will significantly benefit the energy sector by boosting the supply of gas to the national grid.
“Because the plant will be turned off for a short period within the day for maintenance works, we are likely to experience some interruption of power. It is for a good purpose,” he emphasized.
Strategic Decision to Avoid Liquid Fuel
Mr. Jinapor also mentioned that technical advice was followed in the decision not to run thermal power plants on liquid fuel during this brief shutdown.
“Based on the advice from engineers, I have directed that we do not attempt to run those plants on liquid fuel for that short period. It involves changing nozzles, it involves a lot of work, and so if we are going off for about four to six hours, you don’t risk transitioning to liquid fuel only to come back to gas,” Jinapor explained.
The Energy Minister assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to reduce the impact of the power interruption.
New Oil Discovery and Infrastructure Projects
He also revealed that ENI has made a new oil discovery, and Tullow Oil has expressed its commitment to investing more in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector.
The Anwomaso to Kumasi transmission line project, which is being funded by both the European Union and the Government of France, is expected to address low voltage issues and improve power efficiency in Kumasi and mining communities like Dunkwa.
