-IES
The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has said its analysis of power generation data from September 1, 2024, to October 27, 2024, uncovered persistent and substantial shortfalls in daily power generation.
These shortfalls, IES concluded, are impacting both domestic energy stability and the country’s ability to export electricity to neighbouring countries. The report indicates that Ghana has had to rely on power imports from La Côte d’Ivoire to address these shortfalls in domestic supply.
Ghana’s power generation has consistently fallen short of the system’s peak demand, which stands at around 3,700 megawatts (MW). During the period reviewed, daily generation averaged approximately 3,000 MW, resulting in an average shortfall of 700 MW. This deficit has forced the country to adjust its power supply strategy, impacting both local consumers and potential export agreements.
Due to the consistent gap in meeting peak demand, Ghana has been importing electricity from La Côte d’Ivoire to maintain system stability and prevent disruptions. These imports underscore the challenges facing the power sector, as domestic capacity struggles to meet the growing electricity demand.
The generation shortfall threatens domestic energy stability, affecting households, businesses, and industries. Frequent reliance on imports to supplement local production indicates a vulnerability that could lead to power supply insecurity and increased costs, which may trickle down to end-users.
The country’s ability to export electricity to neighbouring countries is constrained by these generation shortfalls, affecting trade relations and revenue opportunities. The shortfall limits Ghana’s role as a regional energy hub and may impact ongoing and future agreements with neighbouring countries reliant on Ghanaian power.
To address these challenges, IES said a significant investment in generation capacity and infrastructure is necessary. This may involve expanding renewable energy sources, upgrading thermal plants, and implementing energy-efficient measures to improve reliability and meet peak demand sustainably.
Ghana may consider expanding generation capacity through investments in new facilities, upgrades to existing ones, and enhanced utilization of existing dependable capacity to help bridge the demand-supply gap.
