Energy Generation and Consumption in Ghana

Author: 

Emmanuel A. Essah - University of Reading

Year: 

2011

Main Geographic Focus: 

ECOWAS Country

Country: 

Ghana

RE&EE Category Taxonomy: 

  • REEE in general

File Tag: 

  • Market analysis
  • Key statistics
  • Technical Research

Description: 

 

Electricity consumption in Ghana is estimated to be increasing by 10% per annum due to the demand from the growing population. However, current sources of production (hydro and thermal facilities) generate only 66% of the current demand. Considering current trends, it is difficult to substantiate these basic facts, because of the lack of information. As a result, research into the existing sources of generating electricity, electricity consumption and prospective projects has been performed. This was achieved using three key techniques; review of literature, empirical studies and modelling. The results presented suggest that, current annual installed capacity of energy generation (i.e. 1960 MW) must be increased to 9,405.59 MW, assuming 85% plant availability. This is then capable to coop with the growing demand and it would give access to the entire population as well as support commercial and industrial activities for the growth of the economy. The prospect of performing this research is with the expectation to present an academic research agenda for further exploration into the subject area, without which the growth of the country would be stagnant

Document Language: 

English