As of 2023, Ghana's electricity consumption is heavily tilted towards fossil fuels, with more than 60% of its electricity generated from these sources. Gas alone contributes nearly 60%, indicating a heavy reliance on this fossil-based fuel. On the cleaner side, low-carbon energy accounts for a little more than 38% of the electricity mix, with hydropower making up almost all of that share. Unfortunately, other forms of low-carbon energy such as solar, wind, or nuclear are virtually absent from the mix. This reliance on fossil fuels is concerning given their impact on climate change and air pollution, highlighting a critical need for a transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Ghana?
Ghana's electricity consumption has seen a modest growth over the past year. The total electricity consumption in 2023 is 719 kWh per person, which is an increase from the 700 kWh per person recorded in 2022. This progress indicates an upward trajectory, albeit slight, for the nation's electricity consumption. However, when it comes to low-carbon electricity generation, the picture is less rosy. Despite some historical peaks, current low-carbon generation has decreased significantly from records set in 1980. The numbers show a reduction of 167 kWh per person from that high point, emphasizing an urgent need to bolster green energy efforts amidst growing electricity demands.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Ghana can look to the successes of various regions worldwide. Countries like France and Slovakia have effectively harnessed nuclear power to meet over half of their electricity needs sustainably. Ghana could follow suit by considering investments in nuclear energy as a reliable and high-output clean energy source. Additionally, certain states in the United States, such as Iowa and South Dakota, have successfully integrated wind power into their energy mix, achieving generation levels surpassing 50%. The development of solar power could complement these efforts, and Ghana can draw inspiration from regions like Lebanon, where solar contributes significantly to electricity generation. By adopting these strategies, Ghana can transform its electricity landscape towards a more sustainable future.
History
Historically, Ghana's low-carbon electricity generation has been shaped primarily by fluctuations in hydropower. In the early 1980s, there were noticeable declines in hydroelectric output, with significant decreases recorded in 1983 and 1984. The late 1990s also saw a prominent drop due to unfavorable conditions. Yet, there have been periods of positive growth in the subsequent decades, with several years, such as 1986, 1999, and 2008, witnessing notable increases in hydroelectric generation. More recently, there was a recovery with slight growth in 2022 and 2023, marking a decade-high near the close of the 2010s. However, these fluctuations underscore the limitations of relying solely on hydropower and highlight the need for diversification into other reliable low-carbon sources like nuclear and solar.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.