The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has announced that it will commence a major offshore pipeline cleaning and maintenance operation on February 5, 2025. This essential 28-day shutdown is aimed at inspecting and cleaning the pipeline that transports natural gas from Nigeria to Aboadze, in the Western region.
The decision to delay the initial start date from January 20 to February 5 was made to better accommodate stakeholder interests, particularly in light of ongoing concerns regarding the country’s power supply stability during this period. The maintenance work is essential for regulatory compliance and the overall integrity of the pipeline system. It involves a temporary suspension of reverse gas flow from the Western Region to Tema, which will have implications for critical facilities across Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
Notably, the Tema Regulatory & Metering Station, important for managing gas supplies to thermal power plants, will be affected during this maintenance period. In preparation for this maintenance, WAPCo has begun installing necessary equipment and systems at its facilities. The cleaning process will involve using specialized devices known as “PIGs” to remove debris and inspect the internal walls of the pipeline.
This routine maintenance is mandated every five years, with the last inspection having occurred approximately five years ago. Key areas impacted by this maintenance include Tema, where essential gas supply facilities will shut down; the Western region of Ghana, which will see a halt in gas flow; and facilities in Lomé, Togo, and Cotonou, Benin.
These disruptions could massively affect power generation capabilities in these regions, raising alarms among energy stakeholders about potential blackouts. The timing of this maintenance is particularly sensitive given the country’s current fuel supply challenges. At the moment, the country is struggling with a deficit that has already strained its energy sector.
Experts warn that without timely maintenance and adequate alternative fuel supplies, the risk of widespread power outages could shoot up during the shutdown.
Credit: The High Street Journal