Energy Minister Pushes Solar Power project to Public Universities

Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has engaged vice chancellors of public universities on plans to power campuses with renewable energy.

The meeting forms part of government's broader renewable energy transition agenda to reduce electricity tariff burden on state institutions and free grid power for industrial use.

Jinapor outlined government's 5-point agenda which includes establishing a Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund under the Renewable Energy Act to support solar installations in schools, hospitals, and universities.

Under the Government Solar initiative supported by KfW Bank, public universities are to get dedicated solar plants. The University of Ghana is already earmarked for a 3.5-megawatt ground-mounted solar system feeding directly into campus power lines.

The Ministry has also approved a $3.4 billion renewable energy programme targeting 12,000 units for public secondary schools and hospitals, plus battery storage and electric vehicle systems.

Jinapor said the move aligned with Ghana's target of 10% renewable penetration by 2030 and will cut costs for universities while advancing the clean energy transition.

By Regina Acquaye