GRIDCo‘s recent analysis spanning March 27 to April 2, 2024, sheds light on Ghana‘s persistent power supply challenges, leading to the implementation of dumsor or load management.
The findings underscore a critical need for strategic interventions and immediate action to address the country’s escalating electricity deficit.
Monitoring Ghana’s power generation crisis since March 2024, GRIDCo acknowledges the stark reality of surpassing electricity demand against limited supply capabilities.
The decision to curtail power exports underscores the severity of the situation, necessitating urgent attention and long-term planning.
Ghana’s peak electricity demand has surged to 3,618 MW, surpassing the available capacity of 3,251 MW by a significant margin.
With an installed capacity of 5,626 MW, the nation utilises only 58% of its total capacity, resulting in a substantial deficit of 2,375 MW.
Furthermore, ongoing maintenance activities contribute to a 740 MW shortfall, further straining the power supply infrastructure.
Maintenance-related challenges, including uncertain restoration timelines for 330 MW, add complexity to stabilising the grid.
Additionally, 4 thermal plants capable of generating 595 MW are offline due to fuel supply issues, while a fault in the TICO unit 3 plant removes 120 MW until December 2024, impacting the year’s power generation by that capacity.
Consequently, Ghana faces a significant 1,455 MW deficit in electricity generation, worsened by gas supply limitations.
Despite efforts to reduce power exports by 40% during peak hours to prioritise local demand, the gap remains unbridged.
While the Akosombo dam maintains stable electricity generation due to ample water levels, concerns arise over declining levels at the Bui dam, risking its ability to generate power. Should this trend persist, the Bui dam may be restricted to peak-hour usage only.
To balance generation capabilities with demand, Ghana implements power shedding measures, shedding 380 MW during normal times and an additional 505 MW during peak hours daily.
The primary challenge remains the inadequate gas supply, although utilizing idle thermal plants can partially offset peak-time shortfalls caused by fuel shortages or equipment faults.
Find summary of all the relevant data in the graphic below:
