AfrElec: AfDB provides $27.39mn grant to support Ghana’s development of mini-grid network, solar PV net metering

Ghana is a beneficiary of a $27.39mn African Development Bank (AfDB) grant for the development of a mini-grid and solar photovoltaic (PV) net metering project, which should generate 111,361 MWh of electricity, corresponding to an installed capacity of 67.5MW of power.

The project will include the development of 35 mini-grids, standalone solar PV systems in 400 schools, 200 units in healthcare centres and 100 units for community energy service centres in the Volta region, the AfDB said in a press release on February 1.

It would also involve the deployment of 12,000 units of roof-mounted net-metered solar PV systems for public institutions, small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) and some selected households.

“The project will support Ghana’s COVID-19 Alleviation and Revitalisation of Enterprises Support (Ghana CARES) programme, which identifies the energy sector as an enabler of economic transformation,” said Eyerusalem Fasika, AfDB country manager for Ghana.

“It has the potential to create jobs, fundamentally expand access to businesses and bring prosperity to Ghanaians.”

The project is expected to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 0.78mn tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, while creating up to 2,865 jobs during construction, out of which 30% will target women and youth.

In view of the numerous challenges that the energy sector of Ghana has suffered, including the erratic power supply which has affected many businesses, consequently hitting the economy, there have been several renewable energy interventions to address the menace.

The drive to renewable energy comes with the belief of curbing the threat of climate change as well as being an impetus to drive a healthy economic growth.