RENEWABLE ENERGY: THE POTENTIAL AND TRENDS IN GHANA SAMUEL ASUMADU-SARKODIE Energy Systems and Sustainability (SEES-502) Term Paper Presentation METU NCC
Jan 15, 2016
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
6
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
7
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
8
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
9
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
14
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
17
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
19
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
21
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
22
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
23
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
24
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
25
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
26
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
28
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
29
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
30
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