Abu Dhabi: Ghana is seeking investors for its wind and tidal wave energy potential to increase its renewable energy portfolio. This initiative aims to boost the country's total installed capacity to the national grid, reach more unserved communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector, and honor international commitments.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, the Director at AT Consult, a sustainable energy consulting firm, disclosed this information on the sidelines of the 15th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi. Under the theme 'Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition - The Way Forward,' the two-day meeting gathered ministers and high-level delegates from IRENA's 139 Member States, academia, development banks, chief executives, and youth to promote broader, cross-sectoral collaboration on the energy transition.
Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo revealed that studies on wind energy potential have been conducted across 13 areas, showing wind speeds ranging from good to moderate along the coast from Tema to Aflao. He mentioned that wind speed measurements and suitable locations for wind power installations have been identified, making it open for prospective investors to join.
He explained that the coastal land from Tema down to Aflao is flat with no tall trees or mountains, making it ideal for utility-scale wind power plants. The necessary policy instruments have been established to attract investors to the sector.
As the immediate past Director of Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy and the Bui Power Authority, Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo stated that significant progress has also been made in wave energy, which will soon be included in the country's energy mix. Wave energy potential has been identified around Ada through Anloga and Keta, areas known for strong sea waves.
He noted that a test wave energy plant was installed but was dismantled by strong waves within three days. Engineers are now remodeling a more robust plant, which is nearing completion for further testing. Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo expressed hope that by the end of 2025, Ghana would have its first five-megawatt wave system operational.
In the sub-region, Ghana has performed commendably in renewable energy, with 30 percent of its energy generated by the Akosombo and Bui hydro dams. Plans are in place to increase this by 10 percent over the next five years.
Ghana's total greenhouse gas emissions have tripled from 1990 to 2022, largely driven by energy sector growth, as revealed by Ghana's Sixth National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report by the Environmental Protection Agency. Energy sector emissions surged ninefold from 1990 to 2022, mainly due to increased vehicle numbers and a shift from fuel oil to natural gas in electricity generation. Emissions from oil and gas have also significantly increased due to industry expansion since commercialization in 2012.
Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo and other energy experts told GNA that policy directions to increase renewable energy projects and include nuclear power as the energy baseload would reduce sector emissions. He emphasized that increasing access to affordable power would support Ghana's transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electronic vehicles and encourage electric cooking, ultimately improving air quality and reducing public health concerns and economic burdens.