Overview
Tema is a 160 MW gas power plant in Ghana, operational and contributing to the country's power generation capacity. It supports grid stability and industrial growth in the region.
Tema is a gas-fired power plant located in Tema, Ghana, with a capacity of 160 MW. It is currently operational and plays a key role in the country's energy mix, which relies heavily on natural gas and hydroelectric power. The plant is situated near the coast, benefiting from access to gas supplies and proximity to major load centers. The facility operates as a gas power plant, a technology that typically offers lower emissions compared to coal or oil plants. In Ghana, gas power plants are increasingly important due to the country's domestic gas production and the need for reliable electricity to support economic development. The plant's capacity of 160 MW places it in the medium-scale range for gas-fired generation in the region. Environmentally, gas power plants like Tema produce lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal or oil plants, but still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's location near populated areas necessitates adherence to emission standards and environmental management practices. Its operation supports Ghana's goal of expanding access to electricity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels over time.
Environmental context
The Tema gas power plant operates in a coastal region with a tropical climate. Gas-fired generation produces lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal or oil, but still contributes to air quality concerns. Proximity to urban areas requires compliance with national emission standards and environmental impact assessments. The plant's fuel source and technology influence its environmental footprint, with modern gas turbines offering higher efficiency and lower emissions per unit of electricity generated.
Frequently asked questions
The Tema gas power plant is located in Tema, Ghana, near the coast. Its coordinates are approximately 5.67° N, -0.02° E.
The Tema gas power plant has a capacity of 160 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale facility in Ghana's power generation sector.
The Tema plant uses natural gas as its primary fuel, which is a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal or oil.
Gas power plants in Ghana must comply with national environmental standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including emission limits for pollutants like SOx, NOx, and particulates. The Energy Commission also regulates the sector.
The Tema plant adds 160 MW of gas-fired capacity to Ghana's grid, helping to meet growing electricity demand and supporting industrial and residential needs. It complements hydroelectric and other renewable sources.