High Commissioner Engages Energy Companies In Wales, U.K.

His Excellency Victor Emmanuel Smith, Ghana's High Commissioner to UK & Ireland has called on three energy companies in Wales, U.K. to consider partnering with, and supporting Ghana with their expertise to strengthen Ghana's energy production capabilities. The companies were Aberthaw Power Station (RWE), Tidal Energy and ECO2.

The High Commissioner made the call when he undertook a three-day working visit to Cardiff, Wales from 27-29 November 2014 to dialogue with local businesses and highlight the enormous opportunities Ghana offers in becoming an energy hub for the sub region.

The visit forms part of a targeted one-on-one engagement with selected UK companies in strategic sectors of the economy following the successful Ghana-UK Investment Forum recently held in London.

The High Commissioner in his interaction pointed out that Ghana has evolved into a lower middle income status with a stable and mature democracy and a dynamic private sector participation in business activities. He also underscored the fact that, the country's medium to long term development agenda hinges on adequate, efficient and sustainable supply of energy at competitive prices to support economic transformation.

The management of RWE led by Richard Little, Station Manager and accompanied of Mark Picton (Commercial Operations Manager), Max Khan (Engineering Manager), Adrian Greenwood (Production Manager) Clive Sanders (Head of External Business) and Allan Watson (Head of Materials) took turns to touch on various aspects of their operations.

Aberthaw is a coal-fired power station which began full operations in 1971 and currently generates around 1555MW of electricity for the National Grid System. The company is also involved in renewable generation using woodchip and sawdust.

The Management of Aberthaw Power Station intimated that with their vast knowledge and practical experience from their own power plants, they are prepared to assist Ghana in whatever capacity in the country's energy production.

During the visit to Tidal Energy Limited ECO2, the High Commissioner was briefed by the Managing Director, Martin Murphy and Louise Simons. The company uses an innovative tidal stream technology, which depends on the strength of the sea's tide to provide a secure and sustainable source of renewable electricity with ease, efficiency and minimal impact on the environment.

The full-sale prototype tidal stream generating device known as DeltaStream, (400kw) was fabricated and assembled at Pembroke Port and installed in August this year.

The Managing Director of Tidal Energy indicated that in partnership with ECO2 Limited, which is Wale's leading renewable energy development company, they are prepared to consider a proposal from Ghana on the feasibility of developing such a project in the country.

The High Commissioner was accompanied by Mr. Kofi Addo, Head of Trade and Investment of the Mission.

Source:
Ghana High Commission
London

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