GNPC and Quantum Power sign agreement

Accra, Feb. 9, GNA - The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Quantum Power, have signed Heads of Terms for the construction and operation of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage, regasification and delivery facilities at Tema, ('Tema LNG Project').

A statement issued by GNPC and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday, said the Tema LNG Project would have the scalable ultimate capacity to receive, store, regasify and deliver, at steady state, of about 3.40 million tons of LNG per year, equivalent of 500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, utilizing a state-of-the-art dedicated floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) moored off-shore Tema.

It said an associated sub-sea and onshore pipeline will deliver the natural gas to GNPC and its customers onshore.

It noted that the Tema LNG Project, comprising a capital outlay of over $ 550 million, would be implemented on a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) basis with the assets transferring to GNPC after the Project's 20-year term.

The statement said commencement of operations is scheduled for the end of 2016 and, given its design, the Tema LNG Project has a built-in scalability, which would make it play an increasing role in meeting Ghana's growing energy demand; providing the Ghanaian power generation industry with a highly reliable and clean fuel supply to meet projected power and industrial needs over the next 20 years.

It said the Tema LNG Project would provide GNPC with the flexibility to manage volatility in power demand and fluctuations in domestic gas supply, while mitigating the effect of unpredictable rainfall on Ghana's power balance.

It said the Tema LNG Project has been under development for three years, involving some of the world's most experienced engineering teams collaborating on an innovative design to address the specific maritime challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, while assuring optimal year round operability.

It said the terminal, which would be located 12 kilometres off Tema's shore, allows for cost efficient refuelling and regasification without affecting maritime and port traffic.

Mr Alexander Mould, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GNPC in his remarks said: 'We are pleased to announce our agreement with Quantum Power as the national gas sector aggregator.

'GNPC is leading Ghana's efforts to develop the gas-to-power value chain supporting the Government's vision of energy security for accelerated economic growth.

'The Tema LNG Project is a critical component in achieving this vision as it allows for the diversification of fuel supply sources, enhancing flexibility and reliability.

'It guarantees GNPC contracted capacity of 250 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, for regasification of competitively priced LNG.'

Mr Matty Vengerik, CEO of Quantum Power said: 'We are delighted to Partner GNPC to deploy this cost-efficient and clean fuel supply infrastructure solution to Ghana. This is the first such project to be implemented in sub-Saharan Africa.'

'The combination of increased certainty-of-supply with the cost savings inherent in LNG supply has a significant multiplier effect on the economy at large, as it reduces risk for commercial and industrial activities and increases Ghana's attractiveness as an investment destination.

'Furthermore, the project will spur directly and indirectly technology and know-how transfer, and maritime and energy employment opportunities, in addition to its highly leverageable indirect contribution to economic activity and employment in the country. Quantum Power is proud that GNPC has selected our project as one of its national strategic initiatives,' he added.

The GNPC is Ghana's National Oil Company (NOC) established in 1983 by PNDC Law 64, to undertake the exploration, development, production and disposal of petroleum.

The Corporation, which started operations in 1985, is partner in all Petroleum Agreements in Ghana and operator of the Voltaian Basin onshore exploration project.

GNPC is also the national Gas Sector Aggregator in Ghana, and aims to supply efficient fuel to meet Ghana's increasing energy needs.

Quantum Power is a pan-African energy infrastructure investment platform, currently operating in Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Zambia, with administrative offices in London and Cyprus.

Quantum Power is affiliated with the Quantum Pacific Group, an international group of businesses with interests across a broad range of industries and geographies, focusing on shipping, chemicals, energy and transportation. GNA