On completion, the dedicated pipeline will now be the country’s answer to the erratic gas supply on the WAGP, which is currently used to feed the Kpone Plant and other power producers in the enclave.
Although the project does not have immediate timelines, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Petroleum, Prof. Thomas Akabzaa, said the government was optimistic that the dedicated pipeline would insulate the country from the challenges associated with gas supplies from the WAGP.
“We are looking at a situation where even if the WAGP has challenges, at least, you have another one to rely on. The project has been costed and it probably would need in the neighbourhood of about US$200 million to US$250 million to have it in place,” he added.
The Kpone Thermal Plant at Tema, where the WAGP runs through, has been at the mercy of the erratic gas supplies from the pipeline, resulting in an inconsistent power production for the country’s industries and domestic consumers.
Although the ministry anticipates the linking of the Atuabo Gas Pipeline with the WAGP – expected to be completed in six months – to address that challenge, Prof. Akabzaa said a dedicated pipeline from the country’s gas hub to the plants would be the best solution.
“But the immediate thing is that we do not have enough gas to take up that project,” Prof. Akabzaa explained.
Should a proper reverse flow mechanism be instituted and the compressors properly fixed, experts estimate that the WAGP could take up to 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMscfd) and that is way beyond the amount of gas expected from both the Jubilee Field and the extended portion, termed Greater Jubilee.
Indications are that the coming on stream of the ENI gas project in 2017 would help provide abundant gas to enable that project to takeoff.