By Oforiwa Darko
“Currently, about 600 million people are without access to electricity in Africa. Without a clear and purposeful drive towards cheaper electricity, the figure will rise to 800 million by 2030, whilst the continent sits on what shall effectively become stranded assets. Our position is that we cannot starve in the midst of plenty.”
These were the remarks of Ghana’s Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, at a Ministerial session of the 24th World Petroleum Congress held on the theme “Energy Transition and what it means for your country”.
He stated that the collective effort at achieving net-zero in line with the Paris agreement must be premised on technology transfer, Infrastructure development and deliberate finance. This, the Minister says, is key to achieving these targets.
The ministerial session created an important bridge between the traditional energy sector and a more carbon-neutral industry over the next twenty-five years. Discussions focused on all facets of the energy industry to help define realistic, workable paths to a net zero future.
Touching on some crucial issues at the ministerial dialogue, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh said the energy transition conversation is confronted with militating factors, including limited technological capacities, low productivity, weak capital markets, and high input costs. In addition to these, he said that Africa is particularly saddled with high energy deficit, inadequate human capital, and lack of green energy infrastructure. Deliberate efforts, he intimated, must be put in place to address these challenges.
“Ghana is of the uncompromising view that an energy transition plan worth its salt must take into perspective all the sectors of our economies with deliberate efforts channeled at achieving decarbonisation, energy security, access and efficiency to accelerate industrialization and yet lower carbon dioxide emissions and energy demand.”
“Expanding the refining capacity and storage for crude oil and petroleum products and providing the appropriate infrastructure for petrochemical production and transportation of gas and petroleum products will to all intents and purposes provide these linkages,” he added.
“Ghana is cognisant of the implications of hydrocarbons on the environment and have already included Carbon Capture and Storage and other green interventions in our Energy Transition Framework to duly take care of emissions.”
At Stampede Park in Calgary, Canada, there was an exhibition of the entire energy ecosystem. From producers and operators, to emerging startups and global think tanks, the exhibition explored energy trends of the future. Key features included the Carbon Tech Expo, Digital Poster Plaza, Indigenous Pavilion, Canada House, and the Sustainability & Social Responsibility Pavilion.
Held every three years, the World Petroleum Congress is the world’s premier oil, gas, and energy forum that attracts the attendance of heads of state, energy leaders, and technical experts who discuss the challenges and opportunities of managing the world’s petroleum and energy resources for the benefit of all.
