Ghana Kumasi Microgrid and Off-Grid Energy Storage

Who owns a minigrid in Ghana?

Ownership of the project’s assets is vested in the government of Ghana. In all, a total 228 kW of photovoltaic capacity has been installed at the five minigrid sites supplying a total of 598 households. Households use this electricity typically for lighting, cell phone charging, powering their television and radio, fans, and fridges.

Will rural households be able to access renewable minigrid electricity services?

The study is expected to inform policy makers on the amount an average rural household is willing to expend to access renewable minigrid electricity services and will consequently guide not only tariff adjustment, but also support the development of the overall business strategy for the off-grid, renewable-energy based electrification services.

Are minigrids better suited to under-served areas?

Despite the economic feasibility of extending the electricity grid to under-served areas in some situations, minigrids may be better suited to address the low electrification rates and electrification challenges in areas with scattered households, low populations, and low demand potential [ 1, 3, 4 ].

Why do we need a minigrid system?

These minigrid technologies require huge capital outlays and therefore would need the backing of government, private sector, and households living in isolated, rural communities to achieve electrification goals and more so to ensure minigrid systems scalability and sustainability.