Africa’s latest oil producer is set to become an energy exporter to its neighbors while implementing policies to ensure growth in its renewable energy sector. Ghana’s Minister of Energy Dr. Joe Oteng-Adjei released a report called “Energy for a Better Ghana” which updated progress in the power sector in the western African country.
Ghana has increased its national electricity access from 54% in January 2009 to 72% as of December 2010, estimating that figure to currently stand around 75%. In 2011, the Renewable Energy Act was passed by parliament which created a feed-in tariff, renewable energy purchase obligations, licensing program and standards, and established a Renewable Energy Fund.
The report details the addition of 4,300 solar systems between October 2011 and August 2012 bringing the country’s total installations in off-grid communities to 9,536. Construction is also underway for the 2-MW Navrongo solar farm as well as the 700 kW solar project at the Noguchi Memorial Institute of the University of Ghana. More plans are under discussion to launch a program set to replace kerosene lanterns with solar lanterns in off-grid areas.
And with that, the government also recognizes the need for mini-grid electrification systems. The report said in response to connecting island and riverside communities to the national grid: “Such communities would be better served through off-grid and mini-grid electrification schemes.” The country introduced studies on seven lakeside and island communities, and a contract was awarded in 2012 to undertake wind measurements at 34 meters on these islands and lakeside communities to “establish their wind potential for hybrid mini-grid electricity generation.”
The government has other initiatives underway with the Minister closing saying, “As a government, we expect to do more to ensure that the energy resources in Ghana are harnessed for the development of the economy and enhance the wellbeing of its citizens.”
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