In an effort to achieve its renewable energy targets, government has given its stamp of approval to the net-metering policy – signalling a green light for implementing 12,000 net-metered solar photovoltaic (PV) systems under the Scaling Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP).
This announcement was made by the Director of Petroleum at the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Kwame Amoah, during the Power & Energy Ghana Expo 2023 where key industry players converged to discuss the country’s sustainable energy future.
Government’s commitment to electrifying remote island communities and achieving last-mile electrification has led to mainstreaming mini-grid electrification into the National Electrification Scheme.
Mr. Amoah, in an address to the audience on behalf of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh – Minister for Energy, highlighted the significant strides being made.
He revealed: “The SREP aims to achieve a total installed capacity of 68 MW by 2025, and we have secured a loan facility from the German government to deliver 22 MW of solar capacity for public buildings”.
Renewable energy goals for 2030
As part of its medium-term targets, the Ministry of Energy is committed to achieving 10% renewable energy installed capacity in the national energy mix by 2030. This commitment aligns with Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
Mr. Amoah also emphasised the country’s ambitious solar capacity goals, stating: “We are dedicated to reaching an installed capacity of 741.3 MW out of the total 1,350 MW installed renewable capacity by 2030”.
The nation has already achieved 165 MW of installed solar capacity, with ongoing developments such as the 200 MW solar park by the Bui Power Authority set for completion by end of 2024. The Volta River Authority has also recently completed phase-2 of the Kaleo project, adding 35 MW to the solar capacity.
Global energy access and Sustainable Development Goals
Acknowledging the global conversation on energy access and sustainability, Mr. Amoah said: “One of the most compelling global conversations of our time is how we can ensure adequate access to energy for all of our citizens”. He highlighted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which aims to ‘ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all’.
He said government remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of its citizens through sound energy policy and leadership. The Ministry of Energy places providing stable, affordable and universally accessible electricity as a cornerstone of its vision, and continues innovating to meet the energy demands of a 21st century society.
On the transmission front, Ghana has made significant strides. Besides the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point, the Kasoa Bulk Supply Point has been completed, enhancing power supply in their respective regions. Further, the national transmission backbone, which had a gap between Kumasi and Kintampo, has been bridged; while the Tema to Accra transmission line is being upgraded to accommodate higher capacity.
Global energy transition
Mr. Amoah also touched on the global energy transition, highlighting Ghana’s commitment to clean energy.
He noted that in 2022 Ghana launched an energy transition framework and called for partnerships to accelerate its implementation. Collaborating with SE4ALL and Bloomberg, Ghana is developing an investor-friendly energy transition plan that is expected to catalyse over US$540billion in clean energy investments by 2070; leading to an installed capacity of 83 GW with a net-zero goal in sight.
Power & Energy Ghana Expo 2023
The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with Big4Sure Events and other partners, is actively participating in the Power & Energy Ghana Expo 2023. This event provides a unique platform for industry stakeholders including manufacturers, exporters, suppliers, distributors and contractors, to collaborate, exchange ideas and explore opportunities.
Mr. Amoah commended the organisers for bringing together over 100 exhibitors and 4,000 business and professional buyers from across the globe – highlighting the expo’s potential to grow as a vital hub for the West African sub-region and beyond.
Mr. Amoah affirmed the Ministry of Energy’s commitment to nurturing strategic relationships with all relevant stakeholders to ensure Ghana’s energy sector is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of a 21st century society. Ghana’s journey toward a sustainable energy future remains promising, with a clear commitment to renewable energy and a cleaner, more accessible power grid for all its citizens.
