President Akufo-Addo with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
President Akufo-Addo has pledged his government’s commitment to increasing the production of solar energy to supplement the country’s energy needs.
Despite an abundance of sunshine in Ghana – with many parts of the country enjoying high levels of solar irradiation (5.524 kwh/m2/day) all year round – he wonders why solar energy only contributes 1% to the energy mix, as opposed to 59% from fossil fuels and 40% from hydro.
He asserted, “Government is keen on developing utility-scale solar energy projects, as well as accelerating the development of mini-grid solutions in off-grid and island communities for lighting, irrigation and other economic activities.”
President Akufo-Addo made this known at the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance held in the Indian capital, New Delhi, yesterday.
To this end, and in keeping with Ghana’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the president outlined some solar energy programmes for implementation by 2030, which include the attainment of utility-scale solar electricity from about 22.5 megawatts to 250 megawatts.
Additionally, President Akufo-Addo stated that 200,000 solar systems for households, commercial and government facilities in urban and selected non-electrified rural communities will be installed, as well as the establishment of 55 mini-grid electrification systems with an average capacity of 100 kilowatts.
According to him, these systems would be based on solar PV technology that would be hybridized with other generation options to serve islands and off-grid communities.
He indicated government’s preparedness to deploy some two million solar lanterns to replace kerosene lanterns currently being used by the rural non-electrified households.
Plan
President Akufo-Addo, therefore, spoke of plans to build the relevant domestic capacity in the manufacture and assembling of solar energy systems and accessories in Ghana.
“This will also help create job opportunities for our vibrant and hardworking youth. Ghana is a haven of peace and security. My government is keen on building the most business-friendly environment for investment, especially for investment in the renewable energy sector,” he underscored.
He continued, “Our country is endowed with great potential, where security and the rule of law are upheld, where investments are secure, and by the end of the year, we are projected to be the fastest growing economy in the world.”
Footnote
President Akufo-Addo attended the International Solar Alliance Summit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and France President Emmanuel Macron.
The Summit, which was attended by 25 heads of state and government, provided a dedicated platform for cooperation amongst solar resource rich countries.
It was aimed at realising “the common goals of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting the energy needs of ISA member countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.”
In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo noted, “The establishment of the International Solar Alliance, in our view, is very appropriate in today’s circumstances. That is why Ghana did not hesitate in ratifying the framework agreement of this noteworthy Alliance.”
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent