John Abdulai Jinapor announces 200MW battery and solar energy procurement

Energy Minister Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor has announced that Ghana is procuring a 200-megawatt (MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and a 200-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic facility. Making the disclosure at a meeting of ECOWAS Ministers in Charge of Energy, the Minister highlighted these projects as critical steps toward stabilizing the national grid and expanding the country's renewable energy footprint. The initiative marks a significant investment in modernizing Ghana's energy infrastructure to meet growing demand.

The proposed infrastructure is designed to work in tandem, with the 200MWp solar facility serving as the primary source to charge the battery storage system. According to Dr. Jinapor, the storage component will have a total capacity exceeding 1,500 megawatt-hours (MWh), allowing the grid to retain excess solar power generated during the day for use during peak periods or when solar generation is low. This integration is expected to drastically reduce the intermittency issues typically associated with renewable energy sources, ensuring a more consistent and reliable electricity supply for consumers.

Beyond domestic benefits, the Energy Minister emphasized the strategic importance of these systems within the broader West African region. He noted that such advancements in energy technology could foster greater regional cooperation, allowing ECOWAS member states to share resources more effectively. To achieve this, Dr. Jinapor urged his counterparts to prioritize regulatory certainty and cross-border collaboration. He stressed that a resilient and integrated electricity market is essential for the economic stability of the entire sub-region, calling for a unified approach to energy policy and infrastructure development.