Renewables will do the trick for Ghana's energy needs

In a world increasingly defined by climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity, the quest for energy security has become as critical as ensuring food security.

Energy is the lifeblood of modern economies, powering industries, homes, and transportation systems. For Ghana, a nation with a growing population and ambitious development goals, securing a reliable and sustainable energy supply is not just an option—it is a necessity.

While fossil fuels have long dominated the energy landscape, their environmental and economic costs are no longer sustainable. Renewable energy (RE) offers a transformative solution, promising to meet Ghana’s energy needs while safeguarding the environment and ensuring long-term energy security.

Studies have shown that renewables hold the key to addressing Ghana’s energy challenges, drawing on global trends, Ghana’s unique potential, and the critical link between energy and food security.

Globally, the energy sector is at a crossroads. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy demand is expected to rise by 50% by 2050, driven by population growth and urbanization (IEA, 2021). However, the reliance on fossil fuels has led to severe environmental consequences, including climate change, air pollution, and resource depletion.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that global temperatures could rise by 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2030 if urgent action is not taken (IPCC, 2021). This has spurred a global shift toward renewables, with countries like Denmark and Germany generating over 50% of their electricity from wind and solar power.

For Ghana, a country blessed with abundant renewable resources, this global trend presents an opportunity to leapfrog outdated energy systems and embrace a sustainable future.

Ghana’s renewable energy potential is immense. The country enjoys an average of 5.5 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiation, making it ideal for solar power generation. Additionally, its coastline and northern regions offer significant potential for wind energy, while biomass and small-scale hydropower remain underutilized.

Despite this, renewables account for less than 1% of Ghana’s energy mix, with hydropower and thermal power dominating. This over-reliance on hydropower, particularly from the Akosombo Dam, has proven risky, as erratic rainfall patterns caused by climate change have led to frequent power outages, or “dumsor.”

By diversifying its energy portfolio with renewables, Ghana can reduce its vulnerability to climate-induced disruptions and ensure a stable energy supply.

The energy-food security nexus is another compelling reason for Ghana to prioritize renewables. Energy is essential for agricultural production, from powering irrigation systems to processing and storing food.

In Ghana, where agriculture employs over 50% of the population, energy shortages directly impact food security. For instance, unreliable electricity supply hampers the operation of cold storage facilities, leading to post-harvest losses estimated at 30% annually.

Renewable energy can, thus, address these challenges by providing decentralized, off-grid solutions such as solar-powered irrigation systems and biogas plants. These technologies enhance agricultural productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to sustainable development.

Furthermore, renewable energy is not just an alternative for Ghana—it is the pathway to energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. To harness this potential, the government must strongly implement policies incentivizing private investment in renewables, such as tax breaks and feed-in tariffs.

Additionally, capacity-building initiatives should be introduced to equip local communities with the skills to install and maintain renewable energy systems. Partnerships with international organizations and developed countries can also provide the technical and financial support needed to scale up renewable energy projects.

In a world where energy and food security are increasingly intertwined, Ghana has the opportunity to lead by example. By embracing renewables, Ghana can secure its energy future, protect its environment, and ensure that its citizens have access to both energy and food—a cornerstone of sustainable development.

The time to act is now, and renewables are the key to unlocking a brighter, more sustainable future for Ghana.

References

• International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). World Energy Outlook 2021. Paris: IEA.

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C. Geneva: IPCC.