Cummins Cogeneration Limited (CCL), headed up by Mr. Deepak Khilnani and WUTA Energy are set to commence a 140MW gas-fired power plant in the Western region.
Based in Beyin, the plant is the first phase of a 300MW Power Purchase Agreement to supply energy to the Ghanaian Grid, and once complete, it will be the largest gas engine power project in sub-Sahara Africa.
After successfully operating 100MW of gas-based power projects in Nigeria, the clean energy group is set to introduce the same core technology to Ghana in 2016.
The facility will make use of Ghana’s substantial natural gas reserve and will be the first development in the region to utilize Organic Ranking Cycle, which captures waste heat from the plant to generate additional energy.
This will not only deliver a very significant economic benefit but will significantly improve the environmental impact of the power plant.
At a time of regional concern surrounding the growing need for power, the announcement of the production of clean and affordable energy is one most welcome to the Ghanaian community.
On the project, Mr. Khilnani, Chairman of CCL said, “since the discovery of Ghana’s natural gas reserves, it has been expected that gas would play a prominent role in the country’s energy sector. As a leading organization in this industry, CCL is thrilled to be taking steps towards meeting Ghana’s energy needs.”
Further, Mr. Khilnani announced that the company will employ a substantial number of the local workforce to operate and maintain the plant.
“We want to utilize the energy and talent of local Ghanaians to make this project a social benefit, as well as an economic success. We firmly believe it will have a positive impact on both short and long term local employment”, he said.
On his part, Mr. David Brigidi, the CEO of WUTA Energy, stated that the project will offer a major improvement to the Ghanaian energy sector and accord Ghanaians employment and training in various aspect of the power generation business.
He explained that the project is divided into two phases, with Phase one providing 140MW of power and scheduled to be completed in August 2016.
“The Beyin Power Plant Project will not only increase the total energy base the country requires, but it will also jumpstart economic activities especially in the catchment communities which will enhance the living standard of the people”.
He expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people of the Nzema area who released the land for feasibility studies to commence.
“We believe that this project will continue to drive development in Ghana and look forward to working together with Deepak Khilnani and CCL to generate long-term power solution for Ghanaian communities”, he said.
