Ghana's recently approved National Energy Policy marks a shift from the previous policy enacted in 2010.
The new policy aims to transform the country's energy sector with an increased focus on renewables, petroleum exploration, energy efficiency, mainstreaming gender and disabilities, and regular policy updates.
While the 2010 policy targeted increasing energy access and production to support Ghana's lower-middle income goals, the new policy is more forward-looking.
It aligns with Ghana's aim to reach upper-middle income status and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Some of the biggest differences between the two policies include:
- Renewable Energy: The new policy has greater emphasis on utility-scale renewable projects, mini-grids for rural areas, incentives for renewable energy developers, and non-electricity applications like solar drying and heating. This facilitates a transition away from biomass and fossil fuels.
- Nuclear Power: The latest policy introduces nuclear power as part of the energy mix by 2030 to provide affordable, reliable baseload electricity.
- Petroleum Exploration: The new policy outlines measures to boost exploration to increase oil and gas production. The 2010 policy only covered managing newfound petroleum resources.
- Energy Efficiency: - The new policy gives more attention to demand-side efforts like standards, building codes and conservation campaigns absent in the earlier policy.
- Inclusion: Unlike before, the new policy mainstreams gender and disabilities by enhancing participation, data collection, capacity building and other interventions.
- Adaptability: The 2021 policy states it will be updated regularly through stakeholder consultations to stay relevant, indicating a commitment to adaptive policymaking.
The new National Energy Policy can put Ghana on the path towards a more sustainable, efficient and inclusive energy future.
With appropriate legislation and investment, it could have a far-reaching impact on the country's development.
Latest Stories
-
Joy FM Prayer Summit for Peace ends in electrifying worship and prayer
12 seconds -
The Conscience of Leadership: A call to President Akufo-Addo on Ghana’s environmental devastation
30 mins -
Ghanaian youth unaware of their right to hold politicians accountable – Youth Bridge Foundation
1 hour -
Judge delays Trump sentencing for a third time
2 hours -
2024 WAFCON: Ghana drawn against defending champions South Africa in Group C
2 hours -
Photos from DW-JoyNews street debate on ‘galamsey’
3 hours -
Mimmy Yeboah: Blending heritage with global sophistication, confidence redefined through couture
3 hours -
100 Most Influential People Awards 2024: Brain Hill International School’s Director Mary Anane Awuku honoured
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo commissions 97-km Tema-Mpakadan railway line
4 hours -
Majority requests recall of Parliament
4 hours -
Kanzlsperger and Professor Quartey support WAFA with medical Donation
4 hours -
Gideon Boako donates 10 industrial sewing machines to Yamfo Technical Institute
4 hours -
‘Golden Boy’ Abdul Karim Razak honored at WAFU-B general assembly
4 hours -
Buipewura Jinapor secures Vice Presidential position in National House of Chiefs with record votes
5 hours -
2024 election: I want results to come out like ‘milk and honey’ – Toobu
5 hours