Unilever commissions 17.5-million-dollar CHP Plant

Tema, July 07, GNA - A 17.5-million-dollar Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant constructed by Unilever Ghana to improve its factory operations, has been commissioned in Tema.

The Plant will utilize gas as the source of fuel instead of the residual fuel oil and hydro-electric power the factory is currently using.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr David Mureithi, Managing Director of Unilever West Africa, said in partnership with GENSER POWER Africa, the project would ensure improved cost efficiency in the operations at the factory.

Mr Mureithi said other benefits would include more reliable, stable and better quality power for Unilver's operations and the discontinuation of the use of residual fuel oil.

He appealed to government to speed up work in the oil fields to make available natural gas for industrial use as it promised multiple benefits for the industry, consumers and the socio-economic growth and development of the society.

Mrs Sherry Ayittey, Minister of the Environment, Science and Technology, who cut the tape to commission the project, commended Unilever for the initiative saying she hoped the benefits the plant would bring to the company, would not only contribute immensely to government's climate change adaptation, but would also ensure efficient and effective energy consumption.

She in spite of the benefits, the project would become more beneficial when its cost-saving element which is dependent on the availability of natural gas becomes a reality.

Mr Daniel Marfo, Director in charge of Corporate Banking at the Fidelity Bank, said in realizing the strategic role power plays in developing economies, the bank positioned itself as a strategic financier for the country's power sector.

Nana Osae Nyampong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Unilver, commended Fidelity Bank for its financial support for the project and expressed the hope that other financial institutions would emulate their shining example to help accelerate the growth and development of industries in the country.

GNA