PURC Reports Thermal Power Dominated 74.33% of Ghana's Electricity Generation in July 2026

Ghana’s energy landscape remained heavily dependent on thermal sources in July 2026, with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) reporting that thermal power accounted for 74.33% of the country’s total electricity generation. While the nation maintained a robust supply and a healthy reserve margin, the commission expressed significant concern over the continued reliance on thermal plants and liquid fuels. This dependency, according to the PURC, leaves the energy sector vulnerable to the volatility of global fuel prices and foreign exchange pressures, potentially threatening long-term price stability for consumers.

Total electricity generation for the month reached 2,317.13 gigawatt-hours (GWh). Although this represents a 6.20% increase compared to July 2025, it marks a 3.99% decline from June 2026, a dip largely attributed to seasonal demand shifts. Hydropower contributed 25.01% of the total output, while solar energy provided a modest 0.66%. Notably, however, solar generation saw an impressive year-on-year surge of 96.26%, indicating that while its current share is small, renewable capacity is expanding rapidly.

The country’s reliable generation capacity stood at 4,968 megawatts (MW) during the period, comfortably exceeding the peak demand of 3,980 MW. This resulted in a generation capacity surplus of 988 MW and a reserve margin of 24.82%, which sits well above the national benchmark. This strong supply position allowed Ghana to remain a net exporter of electricity, sending 191.44 GWh to neighboring countries—primarily Burkina Faso, but also Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast—while keeping imports to a minimum.

Moving forward, the PURC has emphasized the urgent need for diversified investment to secure Ghana’s energy future. The commission is advocating for accelerated development in renewable energy projects and improved access to natural gas to stabilize generation costs. By shifting away from a heavy reliance on costly liquid fuels and thermal dominance, the commission aims to mitigate the risks associated with international market fluctuations and enhance the overall reliability and sustainability of the national grid.