Exploring alternative option to resolve West Africa energy hiccups

A cross the countries in the West Africa region abound vast and untapped sources of energy that if properly harnessed by political and economic minded leaders will put an end to the growing energy needs of the region.

Reports has over time indicated that government in the region has invested in hydro-electric power, which falls heavily on rain pattern; however the project has worked and failed in some countries.

Countries like Ghana, Nigeria among others have at one time or the other put in serious investment in hydro Power projects but that has really not address the issue of constant electricity.

Ghana has also in the past invested in the $1 billion West African Gas Project which promised to deliver 4000 MW to it partner countries which is yet to realise its full potential.

It is against this energy hiccups that Industry experts have advocated for a more prudent approach from managers of the economy in the West African region to explore other avenues to bring an end to the energy crises stifling economic growth.

Businesses in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia are constantly faced with energy crises, which industry experts says could become worst if measures are not put in place to address this curtailing problem.

Industries and businesses are feeling the pressure of the energy challenges which has brought on told hardship to its citizens as most businesses may have to adopt cost cutting measures to remain in business.

Industry close watchers are of the opinion that it is high time Government in the region take a look at solar energy which they argue is an off grid option that would require a lot of support from government.

In Ghana for instance, a British Energy firm has being issued a license to begin a solar project. The giant 155-megawatt Nzema project will be one of the biggest in the world if completed. Mere Power Nzema Limited a subsidiary of Mere Power UK and Blue Energy have embarked on the project. The project will see the installation of about 630,000 photovoltaic panels making it the sixth largest in the world. The company has secured the government of Ghana consent to begin and been awarded a generation license and a feed-in tariff for the plant’s 20 year operational life. The project will cost $400-million dollar.

The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Power is also embarking on a 10 Mega Watt Katsina Wind Farm Project to boost electricity supply in the country which is one of the worst in West Africa. The wind farm which will consist of 37 wind turbines with a power of 275 kilo watt each was awarded to French company, Vergnet S.A as the EPC contractor.

Experts insists that West Africa region is endowed with vast untapped clean energy sources if funded and given needed attention will put an end to the constant need of energy.

They are of the views that with major companies in US, Europe and Asia seeking to have a bite of the last economic frontier it will be prudent for African government takes an initiative to invest in power projects rather than wait for these foreign companies to invest solely or much of the funds into such projects which they will later sell back to us at exorbitant prices.

KELECHI EWUZIE