Media

TAQA completes financing for Ghana power plant expansion

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) and its partner, Volta River Authority (VRA), have completed the USD 330 million financing for the expansion of the Takoradi 2 power plant in Ghana.The expansion project will convert the existing gas-fired plant into a combined cycle unit, increasing its output from 220 megawatts (MW) to approximately 330 MW without requiring additional fuel. This represents an addition of 50% capacity without increasing carbon dioxide emissions. The extra energy will be sold to VRA under the terms of a revised 25-year power purchase agreement. The plant was recently converted from primarily an oil-fired plant to one fuelled by natural gas as part of a considered effort within Ghana’s power generation industry towards cleaner-burning fuel.The USD 330 million project financing is being provided by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and a consortium of international development finance institutions led by FMO, a development bank majority-owned by the Dutch government that supports sustainable private sector growth in emerging markets. The lenders participating in the consortium include the African Development Bank, Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschafte, Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund, ICF-Debt Pool and Proparco. The Opec Fund for International Development and the Canada Climate Change Program are participating alongside IFC.Frank Perez, Executive Officer and TAQA’s Head of Power & Water said: “We are proud to have brought so many respected lenders together for this strategic energy project. This expansion will help Ghana’s growing population meet their energy needs and provide the power needed for economic growth.”The Takoradi 2 plant is Ghana’s first independent power project (IPP) and currently represents approximately 15% of Ghana’s installed capacity. The Takoradi 2 plant is also the first IPP in Ghana to utilise project financing. It is owned by Takoradi International Company, a joint venture between TAQA (90%) and VRA (10%), the main generator and supplier of electricity in Ghana. TAQA is the operator of the facility.The engineering, procurement and construction contract with an approximate value of USD 260 million was awarded to a consortium comprising Mitsui & Co (Japan) and KEPCO E&C (Korea) in 2011. Construction started in 2012 following cabinet and parliamentary approvals by the Government of Ghana, and the signature of financing agreements in July 2012.  The expanded plant is scheduled for commissioning in 2015.- ENDS -Contact Information for Media: Abu DhabiTaryam Al Subaihi
Head of External Relations
Tel +971 2 691 4803
Mob + 97156 219 5195Allan Virtanen
Head of Media
Tel +971 2 691 4894
Mob +971 56 685 2717
Allan.Virtanen@taqa.com About TAQAEstablished in 2005, TAQA is a diversified international energy group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: TAQA).TAQA’s business is made up of three operating divisions spread across the entire energy value chain: power generation & water desalination; oil and gas exploration & production; and emerging & alternative energy technologies.Power & Water: TAQA is one the largest independent power producers in the world and the majority owner of the facilities that provide 98% of the water and electricity requirements in Abu Dhabi. TAQA’s power plants are located in the UAE, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, India, and USA.Oil & Gas: with operations in Canada, UK, the Netherlands, USA and Iraq, TAQA’s oil and gas business includes exploration and production, underground gas storage and pipeline transportation.Emerging & alternative energy technologies: TAQA Energy Solutions is dedicated to alternative and technology-driven energy initiatives for long-term efficient energy production and generation. TAQA’s vision is to deliver ‘Energy for Growth’: growth within the business; social and economic progress in the communities where TAQA operates; and increased value for our shareholders.Over the past 40 years the UAE and Abu Dhabi have pursued a vision embodied by progressive development, investment and the highest global standards. TAQA is proud to align its strategy both domestically and globally to Abu Dhabi’s economic vision 2030, working towards sustainable economic development. For more information about TAQA visit: www.taqa.com or Twitter: @TAQAGLOBAL