Ghana: Power Generation Falls 3.99% In July, PURC Urges Renewable Investment

Ghana’s total electricity generation fell 3.99% month-on-month to 2,317.13 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in July 2026, although output was 6.20% higher than a year earlier, according to the July electricity supply fact sheet published by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

The monthly decline was attributed to seasonal changes in demand, including lower electricity consumption due to improved weather conditions, the regulator said.

Despite the monthly decline, thermal power remained the dominant source of electricity generation, accounting for 74.33% of total output, while hydropower and solar generation jointly contributed the remaining 25.67%.

The continued dominance of thermal generation means fuel availability and the performance of thermal plants remain critical to the reliability of Ghana’s electricity supply, PURC said.

The document showed that Ghana’s national electricity system recorded peak demand of 3,968 megawatts (MW) in July, down from the annual peak demand recorded in April.

However, peak demand was 6.61% higher than in July 2025, indicating continued underlying growth in electricity demand.

Installed generation capacity stood at 5,818 MW at the end of July, while dependable capacity was 4,968 MW.

The power system recorded a reserve margin of 24.82% in July, above the 18% system adequacy benchmark.

This indicated that dependable generation capacity was sufficient to meet peak demand while providing additional flexibility to manage unexpected system contingencies, PURC said.

Ghana also strengthened its position as a net electricity exporter in July, with exports increasing while imports made only a minimal contribution.

PURC said the stronger net-export position reflected sufficient dependable generation capacity and a reserve margin above the system adequacy benchmark.

However, the regulator cautioned that Ghana would need to maintain system efficiency and invest in cross-border infrastructure to ensure regional electricity supply commitments do not undermine domestic power security.

Natural gas consumption by Ghana’s thermal power plants reached 14.79 million million British thermal units (MMBtu) in July, representing a 9.25% increase from July 2025.

Gas consumption nevertheless fell 17.06% from June 2026, reflecting a short-term moderation despite the power sector’s continued dependence on gas-fired thermal generation.

The document showed that Eni remained Ghana’s largest gas supplier during the month, providing an average flow of 276.36 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD).

Takoradi and Tema were the largest gas consumption centres, using 163.49 MMSCFD and 147.44 MMSCFD, respectively, and together accounting for the bulk of gas consumed for thermal power generation.

PURC said Ghana’s continued reliance on thermal generation exposes the electricity sector to fuel price volatility, foreign exchange pressures, fuel supply risks and higher generation costs.

It recommended accelerating investment in renewable energy to reduce the sector’s exposure to those risks and improve the long-term sustainability of electricity supply.

The regulator also called for continued investment in dependable generation capacity, transmission infrastructure and demand-side management as electricity demand continues to rise.

PURC further noted that reliance on heavy fuel oil for thermal generation underscored the need to expand access to natural gas, given the higher production costs associated with liquid fuels.