Ghana Rolls Out Solar Streetlights

Key Figures & Findings: Ghana’s Ministry for Energy and Green Transition has launched a national initiative to deploy 23,500 solar-powered streetlights across 700 kilometers, aiming to ease peak-hour pressure on the country’s overstretched power grid. Minister John Jinapor stated that the project is part of the broader Mahama administration’s clean energy transition strategy and reflects efforts to improve energy efficiency while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The minister emphasized that conventional grid-tied streetlights alone consume over 200 MW during peak demand periods, significantly contributing to Ghana’s evening energy deficit. By shifting public lighting off-grid, the government seeks to stabilize the national load profile significantly.

Statistics & Insights: The project covers 700 km of roadways and will replace grid-dependent streetlights with solar units expected to shave 200–300 MW from peak electricity demand. Grid pressure during peak hours can swing between 400–600 MW, with streetlights contributing over 30% of that load.

Future Implications: If fully implemented by 2026, the solar streetlight rollout could markedly reduce grid strain during critical hours and improve power reliability nationwide. It may also serve as a model for future off-grid public infrastructure planning in Ghana and West Africa.

Source: Citi Newsroom