Ghana is taking an important step to improve its energy system by starting the process to procure 200 megawatts (MW) of battery energy storage systems (BESS). This plan was announced in mid-March 2026 by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor. The main goal of this move is to make the country’s power grid more stable and reduce problems during peak electricity demand.

At present, Ghana depends heavily on thermal power plants, especially during the night when electricity demand is high. These plants run on oil and gas, which makes them expensive to operate. As a result, the country faces a large fuel deficit of nearly $700 million every year. With the introduction of battery storage systems, the government plans to store excess electricity when demand is low and use it later when demand increases. This will help reduce the need for costly thermal power generation.

The planned 200 MW battery project is a major expansion compared to Ghana’s current battery capacity, which is only about 10 megawatt-hours (MWh). The government has decided to carry out the procurement through a competitive bidding process. This approach is expected to ensure transparency and help secure cost-effective solutions. Although the exact locations for the battery systems have not yet been announced, they will be connected with the country’s growing solar power projects.

This initiative is also part of Ghana’s long-term energy and environmental plans. The country aims to achieve 99% electrification by 2030, ensuring that almost all citizens have access to electricity. In addition, Ghana plans to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2060. Battery storage systems will play a key role in reaching these goals, as they help solve the problem of renewable energy variability by storing power for later use.

To support these developments, the government is putting into operation the Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund. This fund will provide financial support for the battery project and other clean energy initiatives. Through this investment, Ghana aims to lower electricity costs, reduce fuel dependency, and build a more reliable power system. At the same time, the country is positioning itself as a strong player in Africa’s clean energy transition, moving toward a more sustainable future.