By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced that the government plans to procure 200 megawatts (MW) of battery energy storage to bolster electricity supply during periods of peak demand at night, as part of efforts to expand Ghana’s green energy capacity.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, March 16, 2026, Mr. Jinapor explained that the battery storage systems will be deployed across the country through a competitive procurement process to inject stored electricity into the national grid during high-demand periods, particularly at night.
“We are seeking to advertise through competitive processes for 200 megawatts of battery energy storage to be constructed across the country so that during nighttime, when peak demand is higher, we can inject this power into the sector,” he said.
The Minister noted that the initiative is part of a wider strategy to accelerate Ghana’s transition to renewable and cleaner energy sources.
Several programmes have already been launched to support the green energy agenda outlined by President John Dramani Mahama, including the National Energy Transition Framework, a revised Renewable Energy Master Plan, and the establishment of a Renewable Energy and Green Transition Directorate, which is set to be upgraded into a Renewable Energy Authority.
Mr. Jinapor also disclosed the creation of a Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund to mobilise domestic resources and provide financial support for renewable energy projects.
Ghana added about 80MW of renewable energy capacity in 2025, mainly from solar power, bringing the country’s total installed solar capacity to around 280MW. Ongoing major projects include the 200MW solar project at Dawa, 100MW at Bui, 50MW Seno-Asogli solar project, 30MW floating solar project by the Volta River Authority, and a 200MW solar project combined with a 1,000MWh battery energy storage system.
Beyond electricity generation, the ministry is deploying solar technology in water and agriculture sectors to improve access to water for domestic use and irrigation. Two pilot projects are underway in the Savannah and Central regions, with plans to expand nationwide depending on results.
In 2025, five pilot mini-grids were rehabilitated in Pediakope, Godorkope, Aglakope, Atigagome, and Wayokope, while three new mini-grids were commissioned in Alokpem, Affiavi, and Aziziakpe islands in the Ada East Municipality to improve electricity access in island communities.
To further expand electricity access, the ministry is rolling out solar-powered home systems for off-grid communities. It has also partnered with Better Planet India through a World Bank programme to locally manufacture and distribute one million improved cookstoves, alongside additional LPG distribution programmes to promote cleaner cooking energy.
The Minister also revealed plans to construct solar parks that will serve as charging stations for electric vehicles, with guidelines to regulate the establishment of charging points across the country.
Mr. Jinapor emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to increase renewable energy consumption and promote sustainable energy development in Ghana. Consultations are underway for the establishment of the Renewable Energy Authority, with the proposal expected to be submitted to Cabinet before Parliament for approval.
“We want to ensure that we conduct broad stakeholder consultations and do proper work before bringing the bill to this House for approval,” he added.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com