SOLAR ENERGY AS A BOLD SOLUTION TO GHANA’S ELECTRICITY PROBLEMS

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has declared an ambitious plan to add 2,000 megawatts (MW) of solar electricity in the first four years of his government, which is a workable alternative policy.

The Vice President claims that the goal of the program is to lessen the financial burden that high energy rates are placing on businesses. Currently, hydroelectric sources provide up 33% of Ghana’s energy mix, with the remaining portion coming from renewable sources.

It makes sense for a future government to support the production of solar electricity because the Bui electricity Company has already made investments in solar power to supplement its hydropower generation.

“We hope to greatly lower the rising cost of electricity with this program, especially for our companies, making them more competitive in response to traders’ requests that his administration deal with the cost of electricity,” Dr. Bawumia said.

He clarified that the country’s larger goal of switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources includes the intentions to invest in solar power.

This is in keeping with the worldwide initiative to cut carbon emissions, which are now a significant cause of global warming and climate change.

As per the terms of the Paris Agreement, emissions must be cut by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Ghana has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2070 in response to the global commitment to reduce emissions.

This clarifies my enthusiasm for Dr. Bawumia’s intention to fund solar energy as a substitute.

In actuality, the unpredictable patterns of rainfall and the growing cost of fuel and gas for power generation make reliance on hydro and thermal power unsustainable.