Commercial operations begin at EAIF supported power plant expansion in Ghana
With the support of a US$15 million loan from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), and other public and private finance organisations, the T2 power station at Takoradi in Ghana has been expanded from 220 megawatts of capacity to 330 megawatts. The plant’s majority owner, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), announced on 20th October 2015 that the T2 plant expansion has achieved commercial operations and is now supplying electricity to Ghana’s national grid.
Ghana’s demand for electricity is growing by 10% a year. The T2 development is at the forefront of the drive to provide the country with more, and more reliable, electricity.
David White, EAIF Chairman, says,
“We want to congratulate TAQA and its partner, Ghana’s Volta River Authority, on the great achievement of boosting Ghana’s electricity generating capacity. The plant will play a core role in strengthening Ghana’s economy and boosting the confidence of local and international investors. EAIF’s job is to help build the vital foundations for modern economies and T2 is a prime example.”
The technology employed in T2’s expansion has cut generating costs and increased power production capacity, without additional fuel use and emissions. Output is up by 50% and the project has reduced Ghana’s reliance on hydro power, which is rainfall dependant. The project is a joint venture between the private-sector company, TAQA, which operates the plant and holds 90% ownership in the venture, and The Volta River Authority with 10%.
T2 is also notable for the high safety standards of the construction period. There were no lost-time injuries and more than 900 injury-free days were recorded since the expansion project began in 2013. That is the equivalent of 9,700,000 man hours.