Puma Energy Ghana, a prominent energy company, affirmed its dedication to facilitating access to energy, particularly clean cooking solutions, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Michael S. Regan, visited its LPG (liquified petroleum gas) bottling facility.
The visit, attended by notable figures including Mr. Michael S. Regan, the Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency Samira Bawumia, and U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer, aimed to acquaint them with Puma Energy Ghana's LPG operations and its pivotal role in providing access to LPG in Ghana.
In sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 970 million people lack access to clean cooking fuels and technologies, as per the International Energy Agency (IEA), LPG stands as a crucial element in the energy mix. Many households rely on solid fuels, leading to environmental and health hazards. Puma Energy is actively promoting the transition to cleaner cooking fuels and solar power.
Puma Energy's commitment to access to lower carbon-emitting fuels is evident through recent acquisitions, including Zambian-based LPG supplier OGAZ and a 49 percent stake in MBHE, specializing in renewable energy projects across southern Africa.
Mr. Regan, during the visit, emphasized the significance of sustainable energy access. “Access to clean and affordable energy is essential for economic development, reducing poverty, and mitigating the effects of climate change,” said Administrator Regan. “Cleaner cooking solutions are not just better for the environment, they are better for your health.”
Commenting on the company's commitment, Mr Zwelithini Mlotshwa, General Manager of Puma Energy Ghana, highlighted LPG as a safe, convenient, and cost-effective means to enable cleaner cooking and reduce the negative impacts of traditional fuels.
U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, stating, “It's essential to invest in clean cooking solutions. Working together with government entities and stakeholders, we can create positive change and improve the lives and health of the Ghanaian people.”
Puma Energy Ghana's LPG bottling plant in Tema, a US$6 million facility, plays a crucial role in supporting the Ghanaian government's agenda to encourage LPG use, ensuring safety, accessibility, and improved energy efficiency. The plant aligns with the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) initiative to achieve a 50% penetration target by 2030.
In addition to its LPG initiatives, Puma Energy Ghana is actively involved in solarization projects and expanding its LNG business in Ghana, showcasing a comprehensive approach to sustainable energy solutions.