Context
Oil, coal and gas – more than two thirds of Ghana’s electricity is generated from fossil fuels. These are not only expensive but also environmentally damaging. Yet Ghana also has enormous potential for solar power. Solar electricity is cheaper and better for the climate. Low-cost green electricity would significantly ease the burden on the population and on industry and public stakeholders in this high-debt country. However, this currently only makes up around 1 per cent of the energy mix.
Ghana needs laws and regulations to build up a strong national industry in renewable energy and energy efficiency. These laws and regulations should allow investment and ensure planning security. The country also needs well-trained experts, for instance in solar technology.
Objective
Ghana’s electricity supply is cheaper, reliable and climate-friendly. The Ghanaian Government can better achieve its climate targets through the use of renewable energy and higher energy efficiency and can drive forward the development of the economy.
Approach
The project promotes renewable energy in Ghana by:
• Supporting the Ghanaian Government in developing laws and regulations that enable the use of solar energy and promote investment in renewable energy
• Working with state-owned energy suppliers to develop ways of generating a profit from managing and maintaining privately operated solar plants
• Working with vocational schools, the private sector and the education ministry to improve education and training in solar technology and encouraging women to train in this area