Although there is widespread optimism that the power barges will forever curtail load shedding, it may be temporary relief. Expect some sort of load shedding till 2025
Power utility companies in Africa, including Ghana’s, say they forecast that load shedding will be fully resolved in 2025.
“96% [of power utilities] say there is a medium or high probability that load shedding will be the exception rather than the norm by 2025,” said a PWC report from a survey conducted on power utility companies, independent power producers and investors in Africa.
Although there are initiatives by Ghana’s Power Ministry to bridge the energy gap, like the 10-year power purchase agreement between the Government of Ghana and Turkey-based Karpower and another agreement by Ghana’s Power Ministry and Nigerian Gas for additional gas supply, energy commentators think these initiatives fall short of supplying sustainable, reliable and affordable supply.
The views of the energy commentators coincide with results of PWCs survey.
“Currently they give sustainability only 45%of the emphasis given to security of supply (with affordability receiving 82%),” the report said.
Angeli Hoekstra, Africa Power & Utility Leader of PWC, spells out the implication of the projection by African power utilities:
“The results point the way to improvements ahead. But the development of effective policy frameworks and the attraction of adequate investment continue to be the top most priorities.
Until they are resolved, power systems will remain on a knife’s edge.”