Ghana has doubled its renewable energy capacity with the commissioning of several new solar and wind power projects, moving the country closer to its renewable energy targets.
New projects commissioned:
- 100MW solar plant at Kaleo
- 50MW solar plant at Lawra
- 50MW solar plant at Bui
- 100MW wind farm at Ada
- 20MW biomass plant at Nasia
Total new capacity: 320MW
Previous capacity: 200MW (mainly hydro from Akosombo and Kpong dams)
New total: 520MW renewable capacity
Energy mix now:
- Hydro: 1,580MW
- Thermal: 2,500MW
- Solar: 220MW
- Wind: 100MW
- Biomass: 20MW
Progress toward targets:
- Renewable target: 10% by 2030
- Current: 10.2% (target achieved early!)
- New target: 20% by 2035
Investment:
- GHS 5 billion total investment
- Created 3,000 jobs
- Technology transfer
- Local content development
Benefits:
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Diversified energy mix
- Reduced fuel imports
- Stable electricity prices
- Rural electrification
Projects developed by:
- Volta River Authority (state)
- Bui Power Authority (state)
- Private independent power producers
- Chinese companies (investment)
The success has been attributed to supportive policies including feed-in tariffs, tax exemptions for renewable equipment, and streamlined licensing processes.
Ghana is now positioning itself as a renewable energy leader in West Africa, with potential to export surplus power to neighboring countries.
