Electricity in Ghana in 2022

As of 2022, Ghana's electricity consumption reflects a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with almost two-thirds, specifically 66%, of the electricity generated from these sources, predominantly natural gas. In contrast, low-carbon sources account for just over a third of the electricity mix. Hydropower is the primary low-carbon source, contributing almost the entirety of this segment, at about 33%. This stark contrast reveals an area of opportunity for Ghana to enhance its environmental sustainability by decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels and increasing cleaner energy utilization in its electricity generation.

Suggestions

Ghana can increase its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from the experiences of countries that have successfully diversified their clean energy portfolios. Promoting wind and solar energy could be particularly beneficial, given the country's geographical potential. For instance, countries like Denmark and Uruguay have harnessed wind energy efficiently, with Denmark generating almost 60% and Uruguay about 33% of their electricity from wind power. Solar power could also be a viable option, as demonstrated by Greece and Chile, who derive around 22% of their electricity from solar energy. Furthermore, considering nuclear energy as a sustainable source might be worthwhile for Ghana, drawing lessons from countries like Bulgaria and Czechia, where nuclear energy provides over 40% of electricity, which can significantly reduce fossil fuel dependency and bolster energy security.

History

Historically, Ghana's reliance on low-carbon electricity has been predominantly through hydropower. In the 1980s, a significant fluctuation in hydropower generation was observed, with a decline in the early years followed by an increase. The 2000s saw a pattern of consistent ups and downs in hydropower output, reflecting challenges in maintaining stable low-carbon energy generation. Notably, in 2008, hydropower saw a significant increase of 2.4 TWh, highlighting a successful rise amidst fluctuations. More recent years have also seen continued variability, with periods of both decline and growth, suggesting room for more stable and expanded clean energy initiatives moving forward. Understanding these historical patterns helps illuminate the need for investment in diverse low-carbon energy sources to ensure a resilient and sustainable electricity sector.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources