RENEWABLE ENERGY: THE POTENTIAL AND TRENDS IN GHANA

SAMUEL ASUMADU-SARKODIE

Energy Systems and Sustainability(SEES-502)

Term Paper Presentation

METU NCC

2

• Introduction • Problem Statement• Justification• Research Objectives• Critical Analysis• Independent Assessment• Assumptions/Proposal• Conclusion and Recommendations• References

Outline

3Source: Google Earth, 2014

4Source: MOE, 2012

5

Renewable energy sources are more than enough to meet current

energy demands worldwide although the estimates of such

potential vary in literature [1]. Aside their enormous potential,

renewables offer further advantages by enhancing diversity in

energy supply markets, secure long term sustainable energy

supplies and reduce local and atmospheric emissions [2].

Introduction

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Regardless of Ghana’s potential in solar, wind, biomass

and hydro, the country still faces challenges in its energy

system since little has been done to utilize these

renewable energy options.

Problem Statement

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The Eight Hundred and Thirty-Second ACT of Parliament

of the Republic of Ghana entitled: Renewable Energy Act,

2011 has assented to provide for the development,

management, utilization, sustainability and adequate

supply of renewable energy for the generation of heat,

and power by the year 2020 [4].

Justification

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1. To identify renewable resources in Ghana.

2. To ascertain what has already been done with the

available renewable resources.

3. To evaluate the current energy capacity in Ghana.

4. To propose how the country’s recent energy crises can

be minimized with the national energy mix.

Research Objectives

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67%

33%

Total grid electricity generated as at 2012--12,164 GWh

Hydropower Thermal power

Energy Production & Utilization 1

10

46%

40%

14%

Energy Utilization

IndustrialResidentialCommercial

Energy Production & Utilization 2

11

Annual sunshine duration ranges between 1800 to 3000 hours per annum which offers a high potential for grid connection

Ghana’s Potential Sources of RE—Solar Energy

Agro-climatic Zone Region Intensity (kWh/m2-day)

Savannah (close to the Sahel)

Upper East, Upper West , Northern, upper parts of Brong-Ahafo & Volta Regions

4.0 – 6.5 kWh/m2-day

Middle Forest Zone

Ashanti, Eastern, Western and parts of Central, Brong-Ahafo , Volta Regions

3.1 – 5.8 kWh/m2-day

Savannah (Coastal belt)

Greater Accra, coastal parts of Central & Volta Regions

4.0 – 6.0 kWh/m2-day

SOLAR INTENSITIES OF AGRO-CLIMATIC ZONES IN GHANA

Source: MOE, 2012

12Source: MOE, 2012

Limitation of Solar Energy Potential

All over the country, diffuse radiation constitutes

over 30% of the total solar radiation which is not

a good indicator for concentrating collectors

used in solar thermal power plants. However,

Flat plate solar collectors and PV modules are

not affected by the diffuse fraction [3].

13

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The best of Ghana’s wind resources are located primarily along the

narrow stretches of the eastern coastline with speeds of mostly 6–7

m/s at 50 m (which are classified as “marginal” for wind

generation) [4].

Nonetheless, it is likely that, grid-connected wind power will be

economical than grid-connected solar power.

According to the Ministry of Energy, wind may have the largest

capacity for development among the options and has the potential

of contributing significantly to grid power of about 200-300 MW

producing 600 GWh [4]

Ghana’s Potential Sources of RE—Wind Energy

15Source: MOE, 2012

Ghana’s Potential Sources of RE—Biomass 1

72% of total energy consumption comes from Biomass in the form of woodfuel and charcoal mainly used for cooking and heating [4].

16

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According to MOE: 2012, out of the 23.8 million hectares of Ghana’s land, biomass covers about 20.8 million hectares [4].

In 2007, consumption of energy from biomass was 11.7 million tonnes (63%) while petroleum products and electricity consumption were 1.955 million tonnes (27%) and 6,269 GWh (9%) respectively [4].

Ghana’s Potential Sources of RE—Biomass 2

18Source: MOE, 2012

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According to the MOE, the potential useable hydro

resource for Ghana is about 2500MW.

1,020 MW from Akosombo dam

160 MW Kpong Plant

400 MW Bui Hydroelectric Project

840MW capacity is located at about 21 sites with

generating capacities ranging between 4kW-325kW.

Ghana’s Potential Sources of RE—Hydro

20Source: MOE, 2012

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Current Trends Of Renewable Energy Technologies

2530Systems

3500Systems

4911Systems

700Systems

335Systems

160kW353kW

510kW800kW

1000kW

1991 1993 1998 2000 2003

Year

No. of Systems

Installed Power

Source: Obeng 2008

EVOLUTION OF SOLAR PV INSTALLATIONS IN GHANA (Over 5,000 at present)

Solar PV Application As Of 2003

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4500

80 210 63 34 3 1 200

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

Solar PV Application

No

. o

f In

sta

lla

tio

ns

Source: Obeng 2008

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The strategic objective of the energy sector in Ghana is to

accelerate the development and utilization of renewable

energy and energy efficient technologies so as to achieve

10% penetration of national electricity demand mix by

2020.

The MOE states that Ghana’s exploitable potential of

500MW from; wind, solar, hydro and biomass/waste-to-

energy sources would need investment of $640m-$900m.

Energy Mix As A Sustainable Electricity Production In Ghana 1

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Based on the assumptions, it is necessary to propose generation mix of expansion options by installed capacity.

Energy Mix As A Sustainable Electricity Production In Ghana 2

18%

30%4%

48%

10% Renewables

Modern Biomass/Waste to Energy Medium-Small HydroSolar Wind

Projection of the 10% Renewable Energy in the Electricity Generation Mix by 2020

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Energy Mix As A Sustainable Electricity Production In Ghana 2

Projections of the average generation mix by installed capacity of the expansion plans

Hy-dropower

41%

Thermal49%

Renewables10%

Energy Mix (Option 1)

Hydropower Thermal Nuclear Renewables

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Energy Mix As A Sustainable Electricity Production In Ghana 3

Projections of the average generation mix by installed capacity of the expansion plans

Hy-dropower

48%

Thermal42%

Renewables10%

Energy Mix (Option 2)

Hydropower Thermal Nuclear Renewables

27

Energy Mix As A Sustainable Electricity Production In Ghana 4

Projections of the average generation mix by installed capacity of the expansion plans

Hy-dropower

46%

Thermal42%

Nuclear2% Renewables

10%

Energy Mix (Option 3)

Hydropower Thermal Nuclear Renewables

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Since access to energy has been proven to directly affect

human development, an option of diversified local

energy mix for electricity production will be the best

choice to develop an “Energy Economy” that would

ensure secure and reliable supply of high quality

energy services for all Ghanaian homes (both urban

and rural), businesses, industries and the transport

sector while making significant contribution to the

export earnings of the country.

Conclusions

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Guaranteed market for the energy generated

Since Renewable Energy Stands tall in Ghana’s

Energy Policy Agenda, there is the need for capital

subsidy and tariff in order to attract private sector

investment.

Recommendations

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1. U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Wind Resource Map for Ghana – 50m.

Available at:http://www.nrel.gov/wind/pdfs/ghana.pdf.

2. Kaunda, Chiyembekezo S., Cuthbert Z. Kimambo, and Torbjorn K. Nielsen. "Potential of small-scale

hydropower for electricity generation in Sub-Saharan Africa." International Scholarly Research

Notices 2012 (2012).

3. Gboney, William, (2009). 

Policy and Regulatory Framework for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Development in Ghana.

Available at: http://en.zl50.com/120070123199986246.html. Accessed on 17 th October, 2014

4. Energy Commission, (2009). Renewable Energy Policy Framework for Climate Change Mitigation in

Ghana. Review of Existing Renewable Energy Resource Data, Energy Policies, Strategies, Plans and

Projects. Available at: http://www.ecowrex.org/system/files/repository/2009_re-policy-framework-for-

climate-change_reeep-energy-commission_.pdf. Accessed on 22nd November, 2014.

References

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Questions / Comments