ACCRA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Ghana will transition to solar-powered streetlights as part of the efforts to ease pressure on the national electricity grid and ensure energy efficiency, the country's energy minister announced on Wednesday.
Speaking during a public engagement on policy implementation, John Abdulai Jinapor, minister for energy and green transition, disclosed that the installation of 23,500 solar-powered streetlights has begun to replace grid-powered units nationwide.
"Our streetlights depend largely on the grid and come on during the peak period, accounting for more than 200 megawatts (MW) in energy consumption," the minister said.
Jinapor said the current project will cover a 700-km stretch, projecting that the ramping up of solar energy use in street lighting will ease the pressure on the national grid during peak demand hours.
"The shift will shave off between 200 MW and 300 MW from the pressure on the national grid and contribute significantly to energy efficiency," the minister added.
Moreover, the minister said the energy sector is showing signs of recovery and stability, alleviating concerns about a major power crisis.
The Ghanaian government has adopted solar street lighting as part of a broader strategy to adopt renewable energy solutions and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and grid-based energy consumption.
