The Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, has warned that Europe may have just six weeks of jet fuel remaining as the airline industry grapples with supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.
Birol cautioned that flight cancellations could begin “soon” if oil supplies continue to be blocked due to the Iran war. He warned that a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger the “largest energy crisis” ever experienced.
He said the disruption would have far-reaching implications for the global economy, noting that prolonged supply constraints could worsen inflation and slow economic growth.
According to Birol, the impact would be felt across energy markets, with higher petrol, gas, and electricity prices, and some regions likely to be hit harder than others.
“In the past, there was a group called ‘Dire Straits.’ It’s a dire strait now, and it is going to have major implications for the global economy. And the longer it goes, the worse it will be for economic growth and inflation around the world,” he told The Associated Press on Friday.
“The impact will be higher petrol (gasoline) prices, higher gas prices, and higher electricity prices,” Birol said, speaking from his Paris office overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
He added that the economic pain would be unevenly distributed. “The countries that will suffer the most will not be those whose voices are heard the most. It will mainly be developing countries—poorer nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America,” said the Turkish economist and energy expert, who has led the IEA since 2015.
However, without a resolution to the Iran war that permanently reopens the Strait of Hormuz, “everybody is going to suffer,” he said.
“Some countries may be richer than others. Some countries may have more energy resources than others, but no country is immune to this crisis,” Birol added.
Nearly 20% of the world’s traded oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz in peacetime. Birol warned that failure to reopen the waterway within weeks could worsen the impact on global energy supplies.
“In Europe, we have maybe six weeks or so of jet fuel left,” he said. “If we are not able to open the Strait of Hormuz, we will soon hear news that some flights from city A to city B might be canceled due to a lack of jet fuel.”
He added: “Many government leaders tell me that if Hormuz is not open until the end of May, many countries—starting with weaker economies—are going to face huge challenges, ranging from high inflation to slow growth or even recession in some cases.”
Birol also criticized the so-called “toll booth” system reportedly applied by Iran to some ships passing through the strait, allowing transit for a fee. He warned that normalizing such a system could set a dangerous precedent for other strategic waterways, including the Malacca Strait in Asia.
“If we change it once, it may be difficult to reverse,” he said. “It will be difficult to apply a toll system here but not elsewhere.”
“I would like to see oil flow unconditionally from point A to point B,” he added.
Birol noted that more than 110 oil tankers and over 15 liquefied natural gas carriers are currently waiting in the Persian Gulf and could help ease the crisis if allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. However, he stressed that this would not be sufficient to resolve the situation.
Even in the event of a peace agreement, damage to energy infrastructure could delay recovery. “Over 80 key assets in the region have been damaged, and more than one-third are severely or very severely affected,” he said.
“It would be extremely optimistic to expect a rapid recovery,” Birol added. “It will take time—gradually, up to two years—to return to pre-war production levels.”
discovery in the MHNM-6 NFW well of the Moho G structure in the Republic of Congo.
The discovery is part of the country’s Moho offshore exploration and production license.
QatarEnergy holds a 15% stake in TotalEnergies E&P Congo (TEPC), the operator of the Moho license. TEPC holds a 63.5% interest in the license, alongside Trident Energy (21.5%) and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (15%).
Commenting on the discovery, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “We are pleased to further strengthen our expanding international portfolio with this promising new discovery in the Republic of Congo. We look forward to working with our strategic partner, TotalEnergies, and with the Congolese government to develop these resources.”
The MHNM-6 NFW well encountered a 160-meter hydrocarbon column in good-quality Albian reservoirs. Data acquisition and sampling were conducted to support subsurface interpretation and future development.
Halliburton has launched the Volta all-electric control system, part of its SmartWell intelligent completions portfolio, setting a new standard for engineered reservoir management, optimization, and insight.
The Volta all-electric control system uses field-proven technologies and an open communication network to enable customers to carry out continuous health and reservoir monitoring, gaining critical insights to improve well performance.
This design increases annual well output and helps avoid deferred production by reducing recovery time from planned or unplanned shut-ins. The integration of the Clariti digital reservoir management suite further identifies opportunities to optimize well performance.
“As the company that introduced SmartWell intelligent completions to the industry, the Volta all-electric control system represents a breakthrough in intelligent completions technology. With EcoStar safety valves, we are now the first to propose a fully electric completion to the industry. Its all-electric architecture reflects Halliburton’s focus on technology leadership, engineering excellence, and technical expertise in completion design and execution. It provides operators with a greater degree of precision, faster response times, and improved efficiency to help maximize value throughout the life of the well,” said Maxime Coffin, Vice President, Halliburton Completion Tools.
The Volta all-electric control system architecture delivers maximum resolution and faster zonal control, supporting a wide range of well types and completion applications. Its mono-conductor, single-line design eliminates hydraulics, streamlining deployment and minimizing operational risk. The modular design of the Volta all-electric control valve improves flexibility and reduces inventory requirements. Pre-installation preparation of system sub-assemblies accelerates execution and supports consistent service quality.
The Volta all-electric control system combines advanced hardware with intelligent software to transform well completions into a fully integrated digital process.
This capability gives operators real-time, precise, bidirectional control to make faster, better-informed decisions, optimize production strategies, and maintain consistent performance under varying reservoir and wellbore conditions.
At Halliburton, digital technology is foundational to how the company operates, delivers solutions, and maximizes value for its customers. Halliburton leads the industry with a broad portfolio of well completion technologies, supported by global engineering and service teams with industry-leading technical expertise and a strong focus on service quality.
The Volta all-electric control system, as part of the SmartWell intelligent completions portfolio, exemplifies how Halliburton integrates digital solutions into every stage of the asset lifecycle—connecting people, technology, and operations to deliver greater efficiency, consistency, and reliable results.
The Gambia’s Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines has announced the appointment of Mr. Abdoulie Jallow as its new Permanent Secretary.
He replaces Mr. Lamin Camara, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Trade following his exemplary service and leadership during his tenure.
A handing-over ceremony was held on Monday, April 13, 2026, marking the transition of leadership at the level of Permanent Secretary.
The newly appointed Permanent Secretary assumes office with a wealth of experience and a distinguished record in the civil service.
Mr. Jallow has previously served as Permanent Secretary at both the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment. His extensive expertise is expected to further enhance the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to advance the sector.
In his remarks, Mr. Jallow reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with staff and stakeholders to build on the Ministry’s achievements and drive forward its strategic priorities.
The outgoing Permanent Secretary was commended for his exemplary service and leadership during his tenure.
Under his stewardship, the Ministry strengthened its operational efficiency and fostered a culture rooted in hard work, diligence, and professionalism.
Permanent Secretary Camara leaves behind a legacy defined by a strong spirit of teamwork and camaraderie, which significantly contributed to the Ministry’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
Staff members expressed their appreciation for his leadership and guidance, noting the positive and collaborative working environment he championed.
The Ministry extends its sincere gratitude to PS Camara for his dedicated service and wishes him continued success in his new role. It also warmly welcomes PS Jallow and pledges full support as he assumes his responsibilities.
Government of Ghana has announced reductions in fuel levies and margins, cutting petrol by 36 pesewas and diesel by GH¢1.53, effective Thursday, April 16, 2026.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Government Spokesperson, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Despite the reduction, fuel prices are expected to rise from today, according to projections by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies.
The Chamber is projecting that petrol prices will increase between 1.93% and 3.01%, LPG between 0.75% and 0.90%, while diesel is expected to decline between 1.20% and 3.86%.
Although the statement did not provide details on which levies were reduced, this portal can confirm that the cuts affected four out of the eight levies and margins.
For petrol, the primary distribution margin was reduced from 26 pesewas to 19 pesewas, marking a reduction of 7 pesewas.
The BOST margin was also reduced from 12 pesewas to 9 pesewas, representing a reduction of 3 pesewas, while the fuel marking margin was reduced from 9 pesewas to 7 pesewas, a reduction of 2 pesewas.
The Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF) was reduced from 90 pesewas to 66 pesewas, representing a reduction of 24 pesewas.
For diesel, the primary distribution margin was reduced from 26 pesewas to zero. The BOST margin on diesel was also reduced from 12 pesewas to zero, while the fuel marking margin of 9 pesewas was completely removed.
The Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF) margin of 90 pesewas was also completely removed.
However, government has decided to provide 63 pesewas for the UPPF as a form of subsidy for transporters.
According to the Government Spokesperson, the reduction measure is temporary and will remain in place for one month.
During this period, government will monitor developments in the international oil market and assess the need for further policy adjustments.
Government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining price stability, protecting livelihoods, and supporting Ghana’s economic recovery amid external shocks.
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has defended the country’s decision to hike fuel prices, saying the government had already stepped in with subsidies and tax adjustments to shield citizens from an even steeper increase.
His remarks came just hours after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced a sharp rise in pump prices, pushing diesel and petrol costs above the KSh 200 mark.
The regulator reviewed prices, with a litre of diesel rising by KSh 40.30 to retail at KSh 206.84, while petrol increased by KSh 28.69 to KSh 206.97.
Kerosene prices, however, were maintained at KSh 152.78.
The regulator attributed the spike to rising global fuel prices and shipping costs, largely linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The scale of the increase triggered widespread anger among Kenyans, forcing EPRA to revise prices downward.
Petrol was reduced by KSh 9.37 and diesel by KSh 10.21, bringing the cost of a litre of petrol to KSh 197.60 and diesel to KSh 196.63.
Disruptions, including attacks on refineries and blockades of key shipping routes, have driven up the landed cost of petroleum products, with diesel imports rising by over 68% in March.
Speaking during a roadside rally in Kisii on Wednesday, April 15, Ruto said the country was better prepared than many nations facing fuel shortages and runaway costs.
The head of state insisted that measures put in place by the Kenya Kwanza administration were intended to cushion households and sustain the country’s economy.
“I want to explain this: the world is facing many challenges. We had a major problem before, with fuel issues causing us difficulty, but God helped us and we introduced the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) arrangement, which saved our country, Kenya. While others were struggling, we in Kenya were prepared; even other countries came to ask how we managed it,” Ruto said.
Despite the increases, Ruto maintained that the government had taken deliberate steps to prevent a heavier burden on consumers.
“We have allocated KSh 6.5 billion from the government to subsidise fuel in Kenya, and we have reduced VAT to help moderate fuel costs. I want to assure you that the Government of Kenya will do everything possible. In some countries, as I speak to you, there is no fuel at their pumps, but here in Kenya we have sufficient supply,” he added.
According to the government, value-added tax on petroleum products was reduced from 16% to 13% to ease pressure caused by high international prices.
Subsidies of KSh 20.30 per litre for diesel and KSh 4.92 for petrol were also applied, while kerosene received significantly higher support to keep its retail price unchanged.
Ruto emphasised that the government’s focus was not only on stabilising prices but also on ensuring a steady supply across the country.
Ghana experienced a power supply disruption on Wednesday night after the country’s main gas processing plant, which supplies gas to most thermal power plants, suffered a technical fault that forced an emergency shutdown.
Several parts of the country were plunged into darkness from around 7 p.m.
A statement jointly issued on Wednesday by the Ghana National Gas Company and the Ghana Grid Company Limited confirmed that the facility suffered a technical failure involving the Burner Management System (BMS) controller for the Heat Medium System (HMS), a critical component of plant operations.
According to preliminary technical assessments, the affected system has been damaged and will require full replacement, making an emergency shutdown of the plant necessary.
The two institutions noted that a comprehensive technical and safety risk assessment is currently underway to determine the fastest and safest way to restore operations. Engineers are working around the clock to replace the faulty system and expedite restoration efforts.
“Subject to the outcome of the ongoing assessments, Ghana Gas will commence processes to restore operations in the course of today,” the statement said.
Fuel prices have risen sharply in Kenya after the country’s energy regulator (EPRA) announced a price review on Wednesday, April 15, which will remain in effect until Thursday, May 14, when the next review is scheduled.
The regulator increased the prices of super petrol and diesel, while the cost of kerosene remains unchanged.
During the period under review, the price of a litre of petrol has increased by KSh 28.69, while diesel recorded the steepest rise at KSh 40.30 per litre.
For the next 30 days, super petrol, diesel, and kerosene in Nairobi will retail at KSh 206.97, KSh 206.84, and KSh 152.78 per litre, respectively.
“In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for super petrol and diesel have increased by KSh 28.69 per litre and KSh 40.30 per litre, respectively, while the price of kerosene remains unchanged,” EPRA announced.
From US$582.11 (KSh 75,266.82) per cubic metre in February 2026 to US$823.87 (KSh 106,526.39) in March 2026, the average landed cost of imported super petrol rose by 41.53%.
Diesel increased by 68.72%, from US$636.45 (KSh 82,292.99) to US$1,073.82 (KSh 138,844.93), while kerosene surged by 105.15%, from US$639.48 (KSh 82,684.76) to US$1,311.93 (KSh 169,632.55) per cubic metre.
EPRA noted that the prices include Value Added Tax (VAT) in accordance with the VAT Act, 2013, as read with Legal Notice No. 69 of April 14, 2026, the Finance Act, 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the updated excise duty rates adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.
To cushion consumers from the high landed cost of petroleum products due to rising global prices, the VAT rate on super petrol, diesel, and kerosene has effectively been reduced from 16% to 13%. Through the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund, the government will further protect consumers by stabilising pump prices with approximately KSh 6.2 billion.
EPRA also clarified that the super petrol delivered by One Petroleum from MT Paloma, deemed substandard, was excluded from the calculation of the new rates.
Four civil society groups have proposed a cumulative GH¢1.65 reduction in levies and margins on petroleum products, following President Mahama’s call for the Finance and Energy Ministers to remove selected fuel levies to cushion consumers.
According to the four CSOs, the proposed cut should last for a period of two months instead of the four weeks proposed by the government.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, IMANI, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), the Institute for Energy Securities (IES), and the Institute for Energy Policy Research (INSTEPR) outlined their position.
The groups stated that this recommendation would not overburden the country’s fiscal space, noting that the government is expected to receive a significant windfall from upstream crude production and exports within the period.
They further proposed a more comprehensive solution to the country’s perennial fuel price escalations by rationalising all existing taxes, levies, and margins, with the aim of permanently removing those that burden individuals and national resources.
Additionally, they proposed the creation of a Strategic Reserve Fund by revisiting some of the levies identified for review, whose revenues could be utilised at all times for the purchase and storage of fuel. This reserve could then be used to stabilise the domestic market during unforeseen disruptions.
They also called for the modernisation and retooling of the country’s refinery and storage capacity by committing adequate investments in the country’s main oil refinery (TOR) and the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST). This, they noted, would position TOR and other refineries to better process the country’s crude liftings, while enabling BOST to expand its storage infrastructure.
Talks to end the Iran war could resume in Pakistan over the next two days, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, after the collapse of weekend negotiations prompted Washington to impose a blockade on Iranian ports.
Gulf, Pakistani and Iranian officials also said negotiating teams from the U.S. and Iran could return to Pakistan later this week, though one senior Iranian source said no date had been set.
“You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there,” Trump was quoted as saying in an interview with the New York Post.
While the U.S. blockade drew angry rhetoric from Tehran, signs that diplomatic engagement might continue helped calm oil markets, pushing benchmark prices below $100 on Tuesday.
The highest-level talks between the two adversaries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution ended in Islamabad without a breakthrough, raising doubts over the survival of a two-week ceasefire that still has a week to run.
Among the slew of issues at stake were access to the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme and international sanctions on Tehran.
Since the United States and Israel began the war on February 28, Iran effectively shut the strait to nearly all vessels except its own, saying passage would be permitted only under Iranian control and subject to a fee.
Nearly a fifth of global oil and gas supplies previously flowed through the narrow waterway, making the fallout from its closure widespread.
In a countermeasure, the U.S. military said it began blocking shipping traffic in and out of Iran’s ports on Monday.
Tehran has threatened to hit naval ships going through the strait and to retaliate against its Gulf neighbours’ ports.
U.S. Central Command said the blockade of Iranian ports, which only applies to ships going to or from Iran, involved more than 10,000 U.S. military personnel, more than a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft.
“During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade and 6 merchant vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.
Shipping data showed the blockade had made little difference to Strait of Hormuz traffic on Tuesday, with at least eight ships crossing the waterway.
The latest standoff has further clouded the outlook for global energy security and the supply of goods that rely on petroleum.
The International Monetary Fund cut its growth outlook and said the global economy would teeter on the brink of recession if the conflict worsens and oil stays above $100 per barrel into 2027.
The International Energy Agency meanwhile slashed its forecasts for global oil supply and demand growth.
Exports of all green technologies manufactured in China surged in March and in the first quarter, making Chinese clean energy manufacturers winners in the war-induced oil shock.
China’s exports of lithium batteries soared by 50.4% between January and March, compared to the same quarter of 2025, Wang Jun, deputy director of China’s General Administration of Customs, said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
Exports of electric vehicles also surged, by 77.5% on the year in the first quarter, the official said. Chinese overseas sales of wind turbine parts and equipment jumped by 45.2%, according to official Chinese customs data shared by Wang at the press conference.
China’s lithium battery sales abroad were also helped by manufacturers front-loading shipments to take advantage of higher rebate rates on the export tax. The rate was reduced on April 1 to 6% from 9% previously and is planned to be eliminated from 2027.
Still, demand for green technology amid the crisis was the key driver of soaring battery, EV, and wind technology exports out of China during the first quarter.
Export growth will likely accelerate in the second quarter, considering the fact that the first quarter included only one month of the Middle East conflict, while countries scramble to replace oil and gas use with clean technology wherever possible amid uncertainties when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen to some kind of normal vessel traffic.
In March alone, Chinese electric vehicle exports soared by 140% to a record high as the fuel price shock drove consumers back to EVs.
China exported as many as 349,000 electric vehicles last month, a record high number of any month ever, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association cited by Bloomberg.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has appealed to Ghanaians—especially residents of Accra—to bear with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as it undertakes a major transformer upgrade and replacement exercise to improve electricity supply reliability in the region.
The company is installing 12 new transformers across six primary substations located in Adenta, La, Teshie-Nungua, Nmai Dzor, Baatsona, and Lashibi.
The upgrades will increase capacity from 26 MVA to 39 MVA to enhance load handling and reduce system overloads in fast-growing communities.
The exercise requires temporary curtailment of electricity supply to allow the work to be carried out.
Speaking to a section of journalists after inspecting the ongoing installation of new transformers at ECG’s Nungua District Office primary substation, Dr. Jinapor commended the management and staff of ECG for the initiative, noting that it is the result of a comprehensive assessment of the distribution network.
He stated that the assessment revealed years of underinvestment, aging equipment, and insufficient expansion of the distribution network.
He further noted that the transformer being replaced had served the area for 22 years, necessitating its replacement to accommodate the surge in demand from the growing community.
Dr. Jinapor explained that the exercise will be extended nationwide, adding that after Accra, the next phase will take place in Kumasi, before moving on to other regions.
“So let me appeal that they bear with us. For instance, this exercise will be done by Friday. And so between now and Friday, if you experience some challenges in this particular area, bear with us for the good of the system. We will be moving to other regions in the month of May. The Volta Region is also developing a comprehensive programme to boost the system so that we can address the low outages we have experienced over the years,” he said.
“I’m very happy with what the engineers are doing. I want to thank them. I also want to thank the President for his leadership and the Minister of Finance for his support,” he added.
However, he raised concerns about lethargy among some staff, cautioning that he would be compelled to initiate a shake-up if the situation does not improve.
“If you are a district manager or a regional manager, we expect you to be proactive. Many of them are doing very good work, but we need to do more. I have asked the Managing Director to set key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive performance,” he said.
The Managing Director of ECG, Ing. Julius Kwame Kpekpena, revealed that more than 2,000 distribution transformers will be installed between this year and next year to ensure reliable electricity supply across its operational areas.
Ghana’s Energy Commission has certified and graduated 30 Energy Audit Professionals, comprising 27 males and 3 females, reinforcing the country’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability amid rising global energy pressures.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Ghana Institution of Engineering, was under the theme “A Greener Ghana: The Role of the Energy Audit Professional.”
The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners.
The newly certified professionals are expected to support efforts to reduce energy waste, lower carbon emissions, and enhance economic resilience.
The Chairperson of the event, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, described it as not merely a graduation, but a “blueprint for national transformation.”
He noted that the strategic redesignation of the Ministry of Energy to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition in January 2025 signaled a definitive shift toward climate action.
Ing. Bempong challenged the graduates to act as “detectives of inefficiency,” identifying energy leaks in factories, hotels, and government offices.
Addressing the graduates, the Commission’s Board Chair, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi, characterized the milestone as the beginning of their contribution to Ghana’s energy transition, urging them to play an active role in advancing the country’s green agenda.
The Acting Executive Secretary, Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie, highlighted energy efficiency as the “first fuel” and the most cost-effective means of meeting rising energy demand. She encouraged the professionals to serve not only as technical experts, but also as advisors and change agents in promoting conservation.
She further noted that, with the anticipated implementation of Energy Performance Certification for buildings, energy auditors would play an increasingly critical role in shaping sustainable development.
The Commission also acknowledged the support of key partners, including the Ghana Institution of Engineering, the Millennium Development Authority under the Ghana Power Compact, and the Sustainable Energy Service Centres.
The newly certified professionals are expected to play a vital role in reducing electricity demand, easing pressure on the national grid, and lowering energy costs nationwide.
Ghana’s power transmission company, GRIDCo, has successfully installed and commissioned a new 120/145MVA Siemens Energy power transformer at the Afienya Substation in the Tema Region to boost power supply in the area.
This milestone project marks a significant upgrade from the previous 66MVA transformer, effectively more than doubling the station’s capacity and positioning the grid to meet increasing load demands across Accra, Dawhenya, and surrounding communities.
Commenting on the project, Ing. Dr. Benefit E.A.K. Patu, Supervisor for Electrical Maintenance at GRIDCo, said the initiative was driven by the urgent need to address overloading challenges in the area.
Ing. Dr. Patu at work
He explained, “The capacity of the original transformer (50/66MVA) was nearing its limit due to increasing demand from ECG’s extended distribution lines. With the new 120/145MVA transformer, we now have the capacity to accommodate more load and extend reliable power supply to more communities.”
This upgrade doubles the capacity at the Afienya Substation and also strengthens the National Interconnected Transmission System (NITS), ensuring a stable and efficient power supply for both current and future needs.
The installation involved a series of critical steps, beginning with positioning the transformer on its foundation, followed by the full assembly of its components and accessories.
The team then carried out oil filtration to ensure proper filling of the transformer core and conservator, while also preparing the OLTC unit with oil to support efficient operation and overall system performance.
During the oil treatment process, the team focused on reducing the moisture content in the transformer oil to acceptable levels (measured in PPM). Continuous monitoring showed single-digit PPM results, indicating very good quality.
The results were subsequently submitted to the technical service team for validation and were successfully approved.
The Protection and Control (P&C) team also played a critical role in ensuring the transformer’s safe operation.
Ing. Francis Koomson led the team in decommissioning old cables, installing new wiring, and conducting comprehensive protection tests, including trip testing to confirm that the system responds correctly under fault conditions.
Ing. Francis Koomson (left), Supervisor for Protection and Control and team
“Our responsibility was to ensure the transformer operates safely. We verified that in the event of a fault, the system will trip as expected,” he stated.
After comprehensive testing and thorough technical validation, the transformer was deemed ready for commissioning.
The transformer replacement and installation work was carried out entirely by GRIDCo engineers, led by Ing. Dr. Benefit E.A.K. Patu, Supervisor for Electrical Maintenance.
He was assisted by Ing. Francis Koomson, Supervisor for Protection and Control, and Mr. Albert Baiden-Amissah, Supervisor for Line Maintenance.
The successful commissioning of the 120/145MVA Siemens Energy power transformer is a testament to GRIDCo’s commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and reliability in power transmission.
By overcoming technical and environmental challenges, the team has not only delivered a critical infrastructure upgrade but also reinforced GRIDCo’s role as the backbone of Ghana’s power sector.
