Electrification planning using Network Planner tool: The case of Ghana

Abstract In this study, the Network Planner, a decision support tool for exploring costs of different electrification technology options in un-electrified communities, was used to model costs and other inputs for providing electricity to 2600 un-electrified communities in Ghana within a 10-year planning period. The results show that the cost-optimized option for majority of the un-electrified communities will be grid connection, accounting for more 85% of the total un-electrified communities in each region. The total cost of electrification (which includes initial and recurring) at 100% penetration rate totalled US$ 696 million with a breakdown as follows: US$ 592 million for grid electrification, US$ 47 million for off-grid electrification and US$ 58 million for mini-grid compatible communities. Sensitivity analysis shows that model scenarios with higher electricity demand and higher household penetration rate generally recommend a larger percentage of communities for grid electrification, rather than off-grid or diesel mini-grid. One important aspect of this modelling approach is that it predicts costs for different electricity generation technologies for each of the communities involved and thus gives the planner the freedom to explore the most cost-effective technology based on existing conditions in the community and price trend of electrification inputs during the planning period.