Ghana’s Energy Future: IPP Chief Challenges State Plant Efficiency
The long-held belief that state-owned power plants offer a more cost-effective energy solution for Ghana is being challenged. At the 14th Ghana Economic Forum held in Accra on October 29, 2025, Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor, the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs), presented a compelling argument that public power facilities are hampered by significant inefficiencies. He asserted that these operational shortcomings are depleting valuable resources and hindering the nation’s overall progress in the energy sector, sparking a critical debate on the country’s power generation strategy.
The High Cost of Outdated Technology
Dr. Apetorgbor detailed the core issue, explaining that a large number of Ghana’s state-owned plants are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. While these facilities may have fully amortized their initial capital investments, their performance now lags considerably behind modern, privately-operated power plants. The disparity in efficiency is stark. He provided a powerful example, stating that while a state-owned plant might generate approximately one megawatt of power from one million cubic feet of gas, a technologically advanced IPP could produce up to 6.5 megawatts from the exact same volume of fuel. This dramatic difference highlights a critical efficiency gap that directly impacts energy output and resource management.
Ultimately, Dr. Apetorgbor’s analysis suggests that the true cost of power generation extends beyond initial construction expenses. His remarks call for a strategic re-evaluation, urging stakeholders to consider operational efficiency and technological advancement as key pillars for a sustainable and progressive energy future in Ghana. The continued reliance on less efficient, aging infrastructure could represent a significant obstacle to meeting the country’s growing energy demands and economic aspirations.
Keywords
Related Keywords: Local technology news, State tech industry updates, Regional tech developments, Tech startups by state, State government technology, Local innovation news, State tech policy updates, Emerging tech by region, State tech scene
