GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced a planned nationwide power outage scheduled for Sunday, July 13, due to maintenance works by Italian oil and gas firm ENI.
The interruption is linked to a temporary shutdown of ENI’s gas valves to facilitate rehabilitation works aimed at boosting gas output for the country’s energy needs.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the 161kV Anwomaso-Kumasi transmission line on July 8, Mr. Jinapor explained the rationale behind the disruption.
“This Sunday, July 13, ENI will turn off their valves temporarily to increase gas production to about 270 million standard cubic feet. It means that we are stabilising the energy sector,” he stated.
He assured the public that the scheduled maintenance, though likely to cause short-term inconvenience, will ultimately enhance the reliability and efficiency of Ghana’s power supply.
“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 emphasised.
Mr. Jinapor also noted that a decision had been made based on technical advice not to switch thermal plants to liquid fuel during the 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 and other complex processes. If we’re going off for about four to six hours, it’s not worth the risk,” he explained.
The Minister reassured Ghanaians that all efforts are being made to minimise the impact of the outage and ensure a smooth return to normal power operations.
He further disclosed a recent oil discovery by ENI and revealed that Tullow Oil has expressed interest in expanding its investments in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector.
The 161kV Anwomaso-Kumasi transmission line project, co-funded by the European Union and the Government of France is expected to improve voltage quality and power reliability for Kumasi and surrounding mining communities like Dunkwa.
