Ghana is actively pursuing battery storage technology to address a substantial 700MW electricity demand gap. This gap occurs between off-peak periods and the evening peak. This strategic shift aims to prevent the country from maintaining expensive generation capacity that remains underused for much of the day.
Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, has urged the Bui Power Authority (BPA) to accelerate investments. He advocates for battery-backed renewable energy. This storage solution will allow Ghana to shift surplus daytime solar generation. This energy can then be used during hours of highest demand from households and businesses.
The 700MW difference between off-peak and peak demand is a critical issue. Dr. Jinapor highlighted this at BPA’s annual stakeholders’ meeting in Accra. He explained that failing to close this gap means producing 700MW at night. This same capacity then becomes idle during the day, incurring significant costs.
This warning addresses a long-standing weakness in Ghana’s electricity economics. Building additional conventional generation solely for a few hours of evening demand increases fixed costs. This happens even when that capacity is unnecessary for most of the day.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) offer a different approach. Solar electricity generated during daylight hours can be stored. It can then be dispatched after sunset. This reduces the need to build or operate additional thermal generation. This thermal generation is typically used to cover the evening surge in demand.
Dr. Jinapor stated that improved battery-backed energy would allow daytime power storage. This stored power could then provide five hours of continuous energy in the evening. This capability could fundamentally alter the economics of Ghana’s solar expansion.
Solar installations can be deployed quickly and operate without imported fuel. However, their output is concentrated during daylight hours. Ghana’s system peak, conversely, occurs later in the day. Without storage, more solar does not solve this timing problem. It can increase total energy but still leave grid operators searching for additional generation during peak evening demand.
Battery storage allows electricity to be moved across time. It means not every unit of solar generation must be consumed immediately. Part of the output can be held and released when its value to the system is greater. This flexibility is crucial as Ghana increases its renewable energy share. It also helps avoid past financial mistakes from over-contracting conventional generation.
The Bui Power Authority is a key player in this transition. BPA expanded its installed solar photovoltaic capacity from 55MWp to 105MWp in 2025. Its electricity generation reached 1,438GWh, exceeding its annual target of 1,350GWh by 6.50%. The Authority’s hydroelectric facilities maintained an average availability of 95.00%. BPA reported revenue of approximately US$145.90 million and a net profit of about US$66.20 million.
The combination of hydro and solar provides BPA with a unique platform. It can build a more flexible renewable portfolio. Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam, BPA’s Chief Executive, announced plans to add another 100MWp of solar. This will lift operational solar capacity to about 205MWp. More significantly, BPA plans to develop 300MWp of dispatchable solar photovoltaic capacity. This will be integrated with large-scale battery storage by the end of 2028.
This ambition is more impactful than the headline capacity number suggests. A 300MW solar project with sufficient storage is economically distinct from a conventional solar farm. Its output can be timed deliberately to meet system needs. This project signals a change in BPA’s role. Historically known for hydropower, BPA is evolving into a hybrid renewable producer. It combines water, solar, and storage. These technologies complement each other. Solar produces during daylight, batteries absorb surplus, and hydro provides flexibility. Effective coordination could reduce pressure on thermal plants. It would also lessen Ghana’s exposure to fuel costs and improve transmission infrastructure utilization.