The role of renewable energies in sustainable development of Ghana

Abstract

Energy solutions that address developmental issues related to economic growth, environment, and social equity are simultaneously needed by developing nations. Despite major barriers limiting the implementation of renewable energy (RE) sources on a large scale, the friendliness of REs to the environment makes them well accepted for electricity generation. The electricity grid worldwide has undergone modifications to become resilient, efficient, and reliable for large-scale deployment of RE sources. Therefore, the study embarked on the qualitative assessment of the roles REs can play in the sustainable development of Ghana. The research unearths some findings through keyword searches in the most prominent search engines to supplement peer-reviewed scholarly literature. It was revealed that Ghana's agenda for a green economy requires the mobilization of US$ 22.6 billion in investments to implement ten years (2020 to 2030) Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It was also revealed that, despite the RE potentials, and their benefits, only 59 MW, representing 1.12% of renewables (mainly solar) has been developed into the electricity generation mix. RE sources for Ghana come in handy to electricity security while saving the devastating impacts of CO2 emissions and keeping the earth's temperature below 2 °C. Hence, REs can be a novel alternative to the future predicament of Ghana's energy solutions in a low carbon economy. Thus, Ghana must adjust the existing policy mechanisms for RE penetrations based on existing experience with RE investments. Above all, an effective National Development Plan that will favour the renewable energy industry is needed for Ghana.