Ghana is set to use a $75 million World Bank grant to connect 150 off-grid communities to solar power by 2026. This initiative, part of the Renewable Energy for Remote Areas (RERA) program, aims to improve electricity access for around 25,000 households across 11 regions.
Boosting Ghana solar off-grid Energy Access
Ghana is set to use a $75 million grant from the World Bank to provide solar-powered electricity to 150 off-grid communities. This initiative is a key part of the Ministry of Energy’s 2026 priorities and the broader Renewable Energy for Remote Areas (RERA) program, which aims to improve electricity access for around 25,000 households by 2026.
The program will focus on providing electricity to communities that are not currently connected to the national grid. Alongside connecting households, the Ministry also plans to deploy all-in-one solar street lights, a move expected to reduce nighttime peak energy demand by an estimated 300 megawatts. This effort is part of Ghana’s broader goal to expand electricity access while ensuring grid stability.
According to Ghana Business News, Deputy Minister of Energy, Herbert Krapa, highlighted the importance of the project. He stated that it would help Ghana achieve its target of universal electricity access by 2030. The RERA program is not just about bringing electricity to remote areas; it is also aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy in Ghana’s energy mix as the country works to meet its targets under the Paris Agreement.
RERA Program Targets 11 Regions for Ghana solar off-grid
The RERA program will cover 11 regions: Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Western, Western North, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Northern, Oti, and Upper East. The program will install solar mini-grids in these regions, which will provide electricity to communities that are not connected to the national grid.
Mr. Krapa explained that the program’s goal is to reach the last 15% of the population that still lacks access to electricity. Currently, Ghana has an electricity access rate of about 85%. However, the remaining population largely lives in remote areas that are difficult to reach with traditional electricity infrastructure.
The RERA project is designed to address this challenge by using solar mini-grids. These mini-grids, which rely on specific solar panel raw materials to function, are a cost-effective and sustainable way to provide electricity to remote communities. This initiative is part of a growing movement across West Africa to leverage solar power, similar to how Benin is targeting a 150 MW expansion by 2026. The World Bank grant will cover the installation costs and help Ghana achieve its goal of universal electricity access.
Ghana’s Progress in Renewable Energy with solar off-grid
Ghana has made significant progress in expanding electricity access over the years. The country’s electricity access rate has increased from 15% in 1990 to about 85% today. However, the government recognizes that more needs to be done to reach the remaining population.
The RERA program is a key part of Ghana’s strategy to achieve universal access. By focusing on renewable energy, the program also supports the country’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet international climate goals. The decreasing cost of solar technology, from the initial solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown to final installation, makes such ambitious projects more feasible than ever.
The government is committed to increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix from about 3% to a target of 10% by 2030. The RERA program is expected to play a significant role in achieving this goal. By providing solar-powered electricity to remote communities, the program will help reduce Ghana’s reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development, all made possible by an increasingly efficient solar panel manufacturing process.
Government’s Commitment to Universal Ghana solar off-grid Access
The government is also working on other initiatives to expand electricity access, such as the National Electrification Scheme (NES), which aims to extend the national grid. The RERA program is a vital complement to these efforts, ensuring that no part of the country is left behind.
This off-grid solar program is part of Ghana’s broader energy strategy to ensure stable and affordable electricity, strengthen infrastructure, and expand generation capacity to meet growing demand. This commitment to a green energy transition is also reflected in other government initiatives, such as deploying electric vehicles powered by solar energy for public servants. To meet these goals, scaling up local capacity will be crucial, requiring a robust supply chain that includes advanced solar panel manufacturing machines.
The $75 million World Bank grant is a major step toward achieving universal electricity access in Ghana. By providing solar-powered electricity to 150 off-grid communities, the program will help improve the quality of life for thousands of people and support the country’s sustainable energy goals. To understand more about the technology driving these changes, from the basics of solar panel manufacturing to complex installations, explore our resources.
Ready to deepen your knowledge? Sign up for our free e-course on solar energy.
