By Juliet ETEFE
The country’s effort to ensure a conducive environment for green mobility is gaining significant momentum as the Energy Commission engages experts in Accra on the first draft of EV Charging and Battery Swap Regulations.
This is in line with the Commission’s broader Drive Electric Initiative (DEI), which has been spearheading the e-mobility agenda in the country since 2019 and seeks to deal with environmental pollution as the vehicular population grows.
The need for regulations to streamline activities of the sector, provide legal backing to the standards adopted for Ghana and facilitate the deployment of EV Infrastructure, business and technology became evident after earlier engagements.
Rationale
In an interview during the stakeholder consultative meeting in Accra, Lead Project Coordinator for DEI at the Energy Commission, Doris Agbevivi, reiterated that the newly drafted regulations seek to address critical issues such as safety, requisite legal and regulatory frameworks for conformity and standardisation of charging stations.
“This regulation are essential to ensure that the market operates smoothly and safety and international standards are upheld,” she noted, explaining that it seeks to provide legal backing to the standards adopted by Ghana for EV charging which were developed in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority.
She added that the regulations will outline requirements for installing charging stations in both public and private spaces, providing a framework for safe and efficient operation of these facilities.
Private sector
She also stressed the importance of private sector involvement in the development of Ghana’s EV infrastructure, adding that: “Most of the charging stations in Ghana will be installed and operated by private entities. Government’s role is to streamline the market and create clear rules that attract more investment”.
Ms. Agbevivi noted that several private companies have already installed public charging stations across the country; however, the absence of a regulatory framework has meant that these operations have been largely unregulated.
As such, the new regulations will require all interested in being charging station operators to submit a letter of intent to the Energy Commission, detailing the location and specifications of their installations as this will help to align them with the rules.
“We are not looking to penalise anyone. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition to these new standards, which will benefit the entire industry,” she said.
She added: “These regulations are not only about safety and standardisation but also about advancing our green agenda and ensuring that our energy transition is aligned with our climate goals”.
Households
She also noted that for households considering the adoption of EVs, the regulations will provide guidelines for the safe installation of home-charging stations.
“While we cannot mandate specific actions in private homes, we strongly recommend that individuals consult certified professionals to ensure their wiring is adequate for EV charging,” she advised.
For her part, Clementine Dardy – a director at Agence Française de Développement (AFD) – commends efforts in shaping the country’s energy transition, especially when all impacts and needs are carefully considered to ensure the regulations align with realities and long-term goals.
She highlighted AFD’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s renewable energy goals, adding that clear and supportive regulations for EV charging stations is key in attracting international investors and enhancing market stability.
Robert Sogbadji, a deputy director at the Ministry of Energy, described the drafted regulations as timely – advocating for the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar installations in residential facilities, to augment grid power and reduce the strain on infrastructure…and also into charging stations to achieve the full climate benefits of EV adoption.
He called for a more comprehensive approach that balances technical requirements with climate resilience and business viability to ensure the success of Ghana’s EV initiative.
