Ghana has been grappling with power generation deficits, known locally as DUMSOR, long before the recent gas supply challenges announced by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo). Data from the Energy Commission indicates that the country has consistently fallen short of meeting its peak electricity demand throughout 2024.
As of December 26, 2023, Ghana’s peak load reached 3,618 MW, marking a 4.3% increase from 2022. The Energy Commission’s 2024 report projects the peak load to rise to 3,788 MW, a 4.7% increase from 2023. Any power generation below this threshold results in DUMSOR.
The power generation data at 10:00 PM, representing peak demand periods, reveals an average generation of 3,188.12 MW from January to June 4, 2024. Monthly averages during this period were as follows:
– January: 3,162.45 MW
– February: 3,276.00 MW
– March: 3,154.73 MW
– April: 3,199.50 MW
– May: 3,161.29 MW
– June: 3,101.33 MW
These figures are significantly below the 2023 peak demand of 3,618 MW and the projected 2024 peak demand of 3,788 MW. This shortfall translates to a generation deficit ranging between 429.88 MW and 599.88 MW.
The ongoing generation deficit means that from January to June 4, 2024, Ghana has not been able to meet its peak electricity demand. This persistent shortfall of approximately 600 MW underpins the country’s DUMSOR issues. The recent announcement by WAPCo regarding gas supply challenges is expected to exacerbate the situation, potentially increasing the power generation deficit beyond 600 MW.
However, there is a silver lining. Most of Ghana’s thermal plants can operate on alternative fuels such as Light Crude Oil (LCO) or Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO). Except for Sunon–Asogli Power (SAPP) and AMERI plants, which solely rely on natural gas, other plants can switch to LCO, HFO, or LPG. With adequate financial resources, Ghana could leverage its installed generation capacity of 5,194 MW (with a dependable capacity of 4,756 MW) to meet or exceed its peak demand.
In conclusion, attributing the DUMSOR crisis solely to WAPCo’s gas supply challenges is misleading. The power generation deficit existed long before these challenges arose, although they may worsen the situation. The government and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) must address the underlying issues of financial capacity and fuel supply flexibility to mitigate the ongoing power shortages.
Attached is a statement:
DUMSOR PREDATES WAPCO’S GAS SUPPLY CHALLENGES-XATSE DERICK EMMANUEL-IES
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