The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has revealed that Ghana’s power generation deficits, also known as “dumsor,” predate the recent gas supply challenges announced by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo).
A Research and Policy Analyst at IES, Xatse Derick Emmanuel says credible data shows that Ghana has been experiencing power generation deficits throughout 2024, even before WAPCo’s announcement.
He explained that the country’s peak demand is expected to be around 3,788 MW, but the average power generated at peak periods (10 pm) from January to June 4th, 2024, stands at 3,188.12 MW, far below the peak demand.
Xatse Derick Emmanuel noted that this deficit in power generation, accounting for about 600 MW, is responsible for the dumsor experienced in Ghana.
While WAPCo’s gas supply challenges may worsen the situation, Mr. Xatse believes that the majority of thermal plants can operate on alternative fuels like Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Light Crude Oil (LCO), or LPG, and therefore, the government and ECG should not attribute the dumsor solely to WAPCo’s challenges.
By: Sandra Tetteh | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
