CEMSE urges govt to secure extra gas ahead of Atuabo shutdown
The Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE) has urged government to secure additional supplies of natural gas ahead of the planned maintenance shutdown of key gas processing facilities.
According to the Centre, proactive steps to boost reserves will help the country cut costs, safeguard energy security, and reduce dependence on more expensive alternative fuels during the period of limited supply.
The advice follows the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition’s announcement of a scheduled two-week shutdown of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant in the Western Region, set to run from 16 to 30 August 2025.
Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of CEMSE and an energy analyst, cautioned that without adequate preparation, the shutdown could place unnecessary strain on both energy generation and the public purse.
“We need to plan these maintenance schedules in advance and ensure that before the year begins, we have identified them and secured additional natural gas supplies. We must also begin to utilise the Tema LNG plant, which was designed to import large volumes of natural gas into the country. Using such facilities could help limit environmental impacts,” Mr. Nsiah said.
The Ministry explained that during the maintenance period, gas supply from Atuabo will be suspended to allow for a full programme of inspections, repairs, and upgrades to critical systems.
Officials stressed that the exercise forms part of government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the plant, which remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy infrastructure.
To minimise the risk of power outages, the Ministry said in a statement that it has collaborated with key stakeholders in the power sector to roll out contingency measures, including the use of alternative fuels to sustain stable electricity generation.
“The Ministry reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining a reliable power supply at all times,” the statement said, adding that the public would be provided with regular updates on the progress of the maintenance works.
Energy analysts note that the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant plays a critical role in processing raw gas from Ghana’s offshore fields for power generation and industrial use.
Any disruption to its operations, they warn, could have significant cost and supply implications if not managed with foresight.
CEMSE maintains that maximising the use of existing infrastructure, including the Tema LNG terminal, will not only help meet domestic demand during planned outages but also improve long-term energy resilience.
