President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday officially commissioned the 200-megawatt Bridge Power electricity plant located in Kpone, a heavy industrial area in Tema, near Accra.
The facility is the first phase of a larger $1.2 billion, 515-megawatt power station project, developed in partnership between Endeavour Energy, a prominent U.S.-based independent power producer focused on Africa, and Andaris Energy Limited, a wholly-owned Ghanaian energy investment company.
The plant is expected to enhance Ghana’s energy security and diversify its energy sources.
The power station, which operates primarily on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), will supply electricity to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), supported by a Put Call Option Agreement (PCOA) with the Government of Ghana.
These agreements, which were approved by the Ghanaian Parliament in 2016, ensure that in the event of a termination of the PPA, the government guarantees certain obligations of ECG.
This marks the first time this innovative financing arrangement has been used in the country.
During the commissioning ceremony, President Akufo-Addo underscored the significance of the Bridge Power Plant as a key step in Ghana’s pursuit of energy independence.
“Today, we celebrate a transformative step forward in our journey toward energy independence. Reliable power is the backbone of development, and this facility is proof that Ghana is ready to overcome the challenges of the past and embrace a brighter future,” he stated.
Recalling the difficult periods of frequent power outages, commonly known as “dumsor,” under the previous administration, the President reassured Ghanaians that the Bridge Power Plant would provide reliable electricity, alleviate the strain on the national grid, and address the energy deficits that have historically hampered economic development.
“This plant is more than a source of power; it is a beacon of hope and a testament to what we can achieve through strategic partnerships and a clear vision,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.
The plant’s advanced technology ensures not only a reliable power supply but also environmentally sustainable electricity, with lower carbon emissions. This aligns with the government’s broader commitment to building a greener future.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the plant’s potential to boost industrial growth by supplying power to factories, hospitals, schools, and homes, as well as supporting rural electrification. The power generated will help bring electricity to remote areas, improving the quality of life for underserved communities.
“The power generated here will fuel an industrial revolution, creating jobs, attracting foreign investment, and laying the foundation for sustained economic growth,” he added.
He commended Endeavour Energy and its partners for their dedication to the project and acknowledged the role of Ghanaian engineers and workers who were instrumental in the plant’s completion.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing financial challenges in the energy sector, strengthening partnerships with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and ensuring long-term energy sustainability.
He said the commissioning of the Bridge Power Plant marked a pivotal milestone in Ghana’s energy journey.
“It signals a new era of resilience, sustainability, and progress, paving the way for a future where energy shortages are a thing of the past,” he said. “This plant stands as a symbol of what Ghana can achieve when united by a shared purpose. It is with immense pride that I declare the Bridge Power Plant officially commissioned.”
Reggie France, the General Manager of Early Power Limited, the consortium managing the project, appealed to the government to fulfill its obligations to Independent Power Producers to ensure the continued success of the project and enable future energy goals.
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