The Minister for Energy, John Jinapor, has stressed the urgent need to construct a second gas processing plant to address the country’s energy challenges.

Speaking to the Presidential Press Corps on Friday, 7th March, at Jubilee House following President John Mahama’s second cabinet meeting, Mr. Jinapor explained that the country currently has stranded gas that needs to be processed for power generation.

"We have stranded gas, and there is an immediate need to construct a second gas processing plant," he stated.

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He went on to highlight the advantages of gas over liquid fuel, stressing its cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

"Gas is much cheaper than liquid fuel. If we use liquid fuel, it could cost up to three times more compared to gas," Mr. Jinapor explained.

Gas is not only more efficient, but it also generates better power, promotes the longevity of the plant, and is far more reliable.

Mr. Jinapor also outlined the government's commitment to transitioning to a "gas-to-power" era, which will ensure a more sustainable and affordable energy future.

"That is why we are doing everything we can to achieve the gas-to-power era," he said.

He further discussed the impact of the ENI plant shutdown in September, which resulted in the loss of a significant amount of gas.

"The shutdown of the ENI plant means we have lost about 240 million standard cubic feet of gas per day," Mr. Jinapor stated. "If no action is taken, this could lead to a deficit of up to 1,300 megawatts in power generation."

To address these challenges, Mr. Jinapor assured that the government is working diligently to mitigate the impact and ensure a stable power supply.

"We are working around the clock to mitigate this impact," he concluded.