Accra: The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition is actively championing green energy transition as part of efforts to combat climate change. Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, said the various initiatives being undertaken by the Government and other players in the energy sector were geared towards a more sustainable energy future.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister said this in his half-year report on Ghana's energy sector during the Government Accountability Series press conference at the Presidency in Accra. The Government Accountability Series is organized by the Presidency Communications Bureau to deepen transparency and accountability in governance.
Mr Jinapor stated that the Ministry's mandate had been expanded to focus on shifting the nation's energy sector and economy towards sustainability and long-term economic growth underpinned by renewable energy. This includes promoting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, mini-hydros, and other new forms of renewable energy to ensure a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon future.
Mr Jinapor noted that the Ministry had launched the Ghana Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP), funded with an $85 million grant from the African Development Bank, Climate Investment Fund, SECO, and the government of Ghana. The project aims to deploy 12,000 net-meter solar PV systems across homes, construct 35 mini-grids to supply electricity to 70,000 people in 47 island communities, and ensure the supply of 1,450 solar home systems for off-remote grid households and public facilities.
He added that the Ministry was facilitating the development of a 200-megawatt solar project across various locations in the country. Additionally, a 25-megawatt floating solar plant is being built at the Bui Power Station, with floaters manufactured locally in line with the local content participation policy. The Volta River Authority (VRA) is also developing a 30-megawatt floating solar facility at the Kpong Hydro Reservoir, funded by KFW.
Mr Jinapor highlighted the efforts to increase local content and local participation in the renewable energy sector through a partnership with the International Solar Alliance to train Ghanaians in solar energy technologies, creating numerous jobs. Furthermore, the Ministry is working towards realizing the Renewable Energy Authority Act and has established a Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund to raise capital for massive investments in renewable energy.
The Ministry plans to distribute 450,000 LPG cookstoves to increase access to clean cooking in Ghana. Regarding streetlights, Mr Jinapor announced the commencement of installing all-in-one solar streetlights, with plans to install 23,500 units covering 700 kilometers to reduce reliance on the grid during peak periods.
He stated that moving streetlights to solar systems would shave off about 200 to 300 megawatts, significantly contributing to efficiency in the sector. The Ministry is also working to bring some Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and government schools and clinics on board by installing solar rooftops, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing electricity bills for these institutions.
