Electricity in Ghana in 2022

In 2022, Ghana's electricity consumption was primarily driven by fossil fuels, with over 60% of electricity coming from gas-powered sources. This indicates that fossil fuels dominate the energy landscape in the country. On the greener side, though, a substantial portion of the electricity, more than a third, was generated from clean, low-carbon sources. Hydropower accounted for nearly all of this share with 33%, making it the principal contributor to Ghana's low-carbon electricity generation. This illustrates a significant reliance on hydropower within the clean energy mix, while other low-carbon technologies are currently underutilized or not present in the energy landscape.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Ghana can draw lessons from other countries that have successfully implemented diverse clean energy strategies. For instance, Uruguay demonstrates that it is possible to generate over a third of its electricity through wind power, showing a viable path for Ghana to diversify beyond hydropower. Uruguay’s success suggests that investing in wind infrastructure can significantly increase a country's clean energy share. Furthermore, Egypt's growing solar capacity could serve as an inspirational model for Ghana, showing that harnessing the abundant solar energy available in the region is an effective way to boost clean electricity generation. By looking at these examples and capitalizing on both its solar and wind potentials, Ghana could significantly reduce its dependency on fossil fuels.

History

Reflecting on the historical trends, Ghana has experienced various fluctuations in hydropower generation, marked by both growth and dips over the years. In the early 1980s, there was a decline in hydroelectric generation, losing over 3 TWh across three years. Moving into the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, a marked increase was observed, alongside certain setbacks, indicating the period's volatility. The next decade continued this trend, with prominent gains, such as in 2008, countered by years like 2007 and 2015 where notable declines occurred. Despite these challenges, Ghana's commitment to increasing clean electricity generation remains evident through ongoing investments in hydropower. However, continued expansion into various low-carbon technologies is essential for sustainable growth in electricity consumption without escalating the environmental costs associated with fossil fuel reliance.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources