Ghana’s electricity consumption is projected to reach 25,836 GWh in 2025, reflecting a 4.7% increase compared to the expected consumption in 2024.
The rising demand for electricity will continue to be met through the country’s three primary power generation sources: hydro, thermal, and renewable energy. However, concerns are mounting over potential disruptions to Ghana’s energy supply in the coming year.
Hydropower, a critical component of Ghana’s energy mix, is expected to produce 8,561 GWh in 2025—a substantial 13.9% decline from its output in 2024. This anticipated drop raises concerns about the sustainability of energy supply and the need for increased reliance on thermal and renewable energy sources to bridge the gap.
The projected decline in hydropower generation highlights the need for strategic planning and investment to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for Ghana’s growing energy needs.
The anticipated decline in Ghana’s hydropower generation in 2025 is largely due to the reversal of unusually high water inflows into the Akosombo Dam recorded in 2023. These inflows necessitated controlled water spillage to safeguard the dam’s structural integrity.
With hydropower output expected to drop significantly, Ghana will depend more heavily on thermal energy to meet its growing electricity needs. Projections indicate that thermal power generation will need to produce 16,997 GWh in 2025, representing an increase of 2,473 GWh compared to 2024.
This shift underscores the importance of diversifying and strengthening Ghana’s energy sources to ensure stable power supply amidst changing hydrological conditions.
These thermal plants, which are heavily dependent on gas and fuel, will face pressure to meet the demand. Ghana imports gas through the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which will undergo maintenance in 2025.
The pipeline transporting gas through Togo, Benin, and Tema will undergo critical maintenance involving cleaning, inspections, and the replacement of subsea valves. During this period, gas flow will be restricted to Takoradi, with no reverse supply from Takoradi to Tema.
This operational change is expected to disrupt power plants in Tema reliant on gas, including Sunon Asogli, Cenpower, KTTP, and AKSA. Unless these plants can operate on liquid fuel, temporary shutdowns may occur.
The maintenance will result in approximately 90 MMscfd of excess gas from Nigeria being redirected to Takoradi, forcing a reduction in local gas production by the same amount. This disruption will cause a 1,100 MW power shortfall, enough to power Greater Accra for two days.
Measures to Address the Power Deficit
To mitigate the impact, Ghana will turn to its hydro plants, such as Akosombo, Bui, and Kpong, although their combined output may not fully offset the deficit. Thermal plants capable of operating on liquid fuel, including AKSA, Sunon Asogli, and KTTP, could help bridge the gap, but at a steep cost. The estimated expense of using liquid fuel is $105.49 million, significantly increasing operational costs.
Challenges Highlight Long-Term Energy Issues
While the government is working to stabilize power supply during the disruption, the situation underscores Ghana’s dependence on imported gas and the seasonal variability of hydroelectric generation. This highlights the urgent need for long-term energy strategies to ensure sustainable and reliable power production.
Navigating these challenges will be critical for maintaining Ghana’s economic growth and development, as reliable energy remains a cornerstone of the country’s progress.
SOURCE: http://3news.com
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