An Overview of Energy Resource and Future Concerns for Ghana’s Electricity Generation Mix

Abstract

Energy supply is a critical indicator for the global United Nations initiatives because of its immense contribution to economic development. In essence, identifying the required energy resource coupled with effective policy strategies is essential to sustainable electricity generation. Nevertheless, future electricity supply requires a range of options that must be robust and workable. Globally, the challenge of harnessing the energy resources sustainably needed for effective electricity generation is alarming. Therefore, the ability to supply a country’s electricity based on the availability and affordability of resources is vital for effective governance. In this study, Ghana’s energy resourcefulness and the profound effects on the future mix of electricity generation are qualitatively reviewed. In particular, the study covers the existing and potential energy resources available for sustainable electricity generation. The study revealed that Ghana mainly uses hydro, natural gas, and solar energy, among others, for electricity generation. Additionally, a framework explores a well-diversified generation mix using nuclear, coal, and more renewable energy sources in the long-term. Key issues that emerged for national consideration include the need for effective policy direction and implementation, appropriate financing concepts, fuel availability, political will, and setting. By far, this review sought to emphasize literature gaps by providing a rich and fertile ground as a template for industry operators, policymakers, and future research direction.

An Overview of Scientific Production of Renewable Energies in Ghana

“…Ghana has abundant renewable energy and should be harness with an aim of achieving sustainability in development. The main renewable energy resources that exist in Ghana include hydropower, biomass, solar energy, wind energy, and ocean energy [7,15].…”

“…The reserve for the fossil fuels is not ubiquitous but is limited and is constantly decreasing. Among the negative impacts of using fossil fuels include effects of climate change, depletion of ozone layer, acidic rain in addition to a rapid increase in the amount of greenhouse gas emission, and the rise in the prices of fuel [7,8].…”

“…Renewable energy is vital to the progress of energy sector in Ghana, in replacing the petroleum fuels obtained from fossil materials, and whereby its continued usage significantly contributes to climate change and thus results in global debate. Despite the abundance of renewable energy, Ghana has witnessed little development of renewable energy sector [7].…”

Technoeconomic Evaluation of Electricity Generation from Concentrated Solar Power Technologies in Ghana

“…This has resulted in the development of policies to ensure the development of renewable energy and its integration into the national grid. The major sources of electric power generation in Ghana are hydro and thermal power [15]. According to the Ghana Renewable Energy Act, 2011 (Act 832), renewable energy (RE) technologies in Ghana are expected to achieve a 10% share of the total grid electricity generation [16,17].…”

“…Nyasapoh et al [15] reviewed the energy resources and the generation mix for Ghana's electricity. It was recommended that Ghana and other developing countries should invest in modern energy options, which are more environmentally friendly.…”