A review of Ghana’s solar energy potential

Samuel Asumadu-Sarkodie,Phebe Asantewaa Owusu

doi:10.3934/energy.2016.5.675

Abstract

The Eight Hundred and Thirty-Second ACT of the 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 generation of heat and power for related matters by the year 2020. With the current load shedding and inadequate energy supply in Ghana, it was essential to examine other options that can be added to the grid installed capacity to ease the burden on Ghanaians. The study examined the solar energy resources in Ghana and how this huge potential can be utilized to grow and modernize the Ghanaian economy in order to decrease the high prevalence of poverty. Access to energy has been proven to directly affect human development, therefore, an option of the diversified local energy mix for electricity production will be the best choice to improve an energy economy that would guarantee a safe and consistent supply of high-quality energy services for all Ghanaian. Evidence from the study shows that Ghana has a good potential for both concentrating and non-concentrating solar technologies. It is estimated that 50–100 MW solar energy potential are still untapped in Ghana which requires an investment of US $100–150 million. Developing and harnessing this renewable energy potential will boost the productivity of businesses, industries, and the transport sector while making a significant contribution to the export earnings of the country.

Highlights

A country’s energy development is closely linked to climate change variability, economic development, agricultural productivity, food security and quality of life
The study examined the solar energy resources in Ghana and how this huge potential can be utilized to grow and modernize the Ghanaian economy in order to decrease the high prevalence of poverty
This study investigated the solar resource potential in Ghana and how this huge potential can be utilized as an alternative to the hydropower, to grow and modernize the Ghanaian economy in order to decrease the high prevalence of poverty

Summary

Introduction

A country’s energy development is closely linked to climate change variability, economic development, agricultural productivity, food security and quality of life. Several studies in modern economics have established the relationship between Ghana’s energy consumption, macroeconomic indicators, environmental pollution and population growth [1,2,3]. Meeting the energy requirement of the Ghanaian population will directly affect the country’s economic growth. At the end of 2010, Ghana migrated from a low-income to a middle-income country as energy services became available and economically accessible [4]. There is a close connection between energy insufficiency and poverty indicators like; illiteracy, life expectancy, infant mortality, total fertility rate, and rapid urbanization in developing countries like Ghana. The inadequate energy supply to meet the demand, power outages, and load shedding have been persistent for a decade [6]

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion