The government has introduced a comprehensive National Energy Policy aimed at reshaping the country’s energy sector to support its economic development objectives.
This extensive policy, which received cabinet approval earlier this year, encompasses various aspects of the energy sector, including power generation, transmission, distribution, petroleum, renewable energy, nuclear power, and energy efficiency.
Key highlights of the new policy comprise:
- Universal Access to Electricity: The objective of achieving universal access to electricity by 2024 through an expansion of the national grid and the establishment of mini-grids. Presently, 86% of households have access to electricity.
- Renewable Energy Growth: A commitment to increasing the proportion of renewable energy sources to meet rising electricity demand in an environmentally sustainable manner. This includes the implementation of utility-scale solar and wind projects, as well as off-grid solutions.
- Nuclear Energy Integration: The incorporation of nuclear power into the energy mix by 2030, with the aim of providing cost-effective baseload electricity. The government has already initiated steps to establish a nuclear program.
- Petroleum Sector Expansion: An expansion of petroleum exploration efforts to boost oil and gas production. This involves conducting additional seismic surveys, promoting enhanced recovery techniques, and developing necessary infrastructure.
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Promotion of energy efficiency and conservation measures to minimize waste. This includes the introduction of new building codes, appliance standards, and public awareness campaigns.
- Inclusivity: A commitment to mainstream gender and disabilities considerations into the energy sector. This involves capacity building and data collection initiatives to ensure inclusivity.
Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has stated that the effective implementation of the policy will necessitate the enactment of new legislation spanning the entire energy sector.
He expressed hope that the policy will help make Ghana’s energy sector “a sustainable climate-resilient low-carbon energy economy.”