Ghana's electric power sector is primarily managed by two parastatal utilities: the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Electricity Corporation of Ghana (ECG). The VRA is responsible for power generation and transmission at 161 KVA and 225 KVA. The ECG is responsible for power distribution in the southern part of the country. In the north, the Northern Electricity Department (NED), a subdivision of VRA, handles distribution. Both VRA and ECG report to the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
Ghana generates electric power from hydropower, fossil-fuel (thermal energy), and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy.
Hydroelectric power is a significant source of electricity in Ghana.
History of Electricity Supply in Ghana
The first Ghana government-sponsored public electricity supply in Ghana commenced in the year 1914, at Sekondi-Takoradi, operated by the Ghana Railway Administration (Ghana Railway Corporation). Power supply was extended to Sekondi-Takoradi in 1928. The Ghana Public Works Department had commenced a limited direct current (DC) supply in Accra during 1922. The next power station to be established was in Cape Coast in 1932. In 1963 the Ghana Electricity Division brought into operation the first 161 kV transmission system in Ghana, which was used to carry power from the Tema Power Station.
In 1994, Ghana's total generating capacity was about 1.187GW, and annual production totaled approximately 4.49GW. The main source of supply was the Volta River Authority with six 127MW turbines installed at the Akosombo Hydroelectric Project.
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National Electrification Scheme (NES)
The Government of Ghana is committed to extending electricity services to every community of 500 people or more by the year 2000. The National Electrification Scheme (NES) is planned to proceed in six five-year phases over the period 1990-2020. The electrification of the several thousand unelectrified villages in the country has been assumed to be via grid extension with community participation under the Self-Help Electrification Programme (SHEP).
Map of Ghana showing regions with electrification efforts.
Energy Production and Consumption
Ghana produces 140-200 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Tremendous inflow of economic capital from fossil fuel into the Ghanaian economy, began from the first quarter of 2011 when Ghana started producing crude oil and natural gas in commercial quantities and the Ghana crude oil industry accounted for 6% of the Ghanaian economic revenue for 2011. Among Ghana’s energy consumers, including industries and residents, energy supply is crucial for constant and efficient consumption.
In 2020, the country supplied more than 12 million metric tons of oil equivalent of energy, which was an all-time high compared to the five preceding years. Specifically, in 2020, the total energy supply from natural gas and hydro sources reached approximately three million metric tons of oil equivalent and 627,000 metric tons of oil equivalent, respectively. In terms of consumption, the total amount of primary energy consumed amounted to 100 terawatt hours as of 2019, translating to about 3,180 kilowatt hours per capita. Ghana’s final energy consumption, which refers to what is consumed by end users, reached around 8.6 million tons of oil equivalent in 2020.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
Ghana has Class 4-6 wind resources at locations of the high wind areas - such as Nkwanta, the Accra Plains, Kwahu and Gambaga mountains. The plan would support private sector investments in the cultivation of bio-fuel raw materials, extraction of bio-oil and its refining into secondary products, thereby creating appropriate financial and tax incentives. Construction work on the GH¢ 740 million (£ 248 million) and the 4th largest solar power plant in the world, is being developed by Blue Energy, a UK-based renewable energy investment company.
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According to data by the International Energy Agency, Ghana’s electricity mix in 2021 relied on natural gas (62.6 %) and hydropower (34.1 %).
REFA announces renewable energy investment forum to boost Ghana's green transition| Prime Business
Electricity Sector Data
Here's a summary of key data related to Ghana's electricity sector:
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Electricity coverage (July 2012, 100%) | 74% (total), 60% (rural) |
| Installed capacity (2015) | 3655.5 MW |
| Share of fossil energy | 50.9% |
| Share of renewable energy | 49.1% |
| Average electricity use (2010) | 298 kWh per capita |
| Distribution losses (2010) | 3% |
| Transmission losses (2011) | 3% |
ECG and GRIDCo Collaboration
As part of expanding consumption of energy by consumers, The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has entered into a partnership with the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) to enhance the region's electricity supply capacity in response to escalating demand. This collaboration, finalized during a recent meeting at GRIDCo's headquarters in Anwomaso, Ashanti Region, involves the installation of a 145MVA power transformer at strategic points between GRIDCo and ECG Bulk Supply Points.
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