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Renewable Energy Deployment in Ghana: The Hype, Hope and Reality

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  • Catherine Kuamoah

Abstract

Over recent years, few areas of international development research have seen as much transformation as those relating to energy access and low carbon transitions. Ghana, amongst other African economies, has seen an increase in energy demand surpassing the supply of energy in the last decade. The incorporation of the incorporation of renewable energy into the mix is, therefore, seen as a significant role in addressing the energy needs by replacing conventional fuels with clean and reliable domestic electricity with the advantage of local economic opportunities. The country has adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG); SDG goal 7 targets ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. This target presents a formidable challenge to Ghana because the country still relies mainly on non-renewable energy sources. The country has a huge potential for renewable energy that remains underexploited. This study, therefore, seeks to assess the current renewable energy resource situation, examine the trend in Ghana’s energy consumption and undertake a comprehensive review and critical evaluation of Ghana’s renewable energy drive and policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine Kuamoah, 2020. "Renewable Energy Deployment in Ghana: The Hype, Hope and Reality," Insight on Africa, , vol. 12(1), pages 45-64, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:inafri:v:12:y:2020:i:1:p:45-64
    DOI: 10.1177/0975087819898581
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    1. Duku, Moses Hensley & Gu, Sai & Hagan, Essel Ben, 2011. "A comprehensive review of biomass resources and biofuels potential in Ghana," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(1), pages 404-415, January.
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    2. Avri Eitan, 2023. "The Impact of Renewable Energy Targets on Natural Gas Export Policy: Lessons from the Israeli Case," Resources, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-15, February.
    3. Kwadwo Boateng Prempeh, 2023. "The impact of financial development on renewable energy consumption: new insights from Ghana," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 1-13, December.
    4. Asante, Dennis & Ampah, Jeffrey Dankwa & Afrane, Sandylove & Adjei-Darko, Peter & Asante, Bismark & Fosu, Edward & Dankwah, Dennis Ampah & Amoh, Prince Oppong, 2022. "Prioritizing strategies to eliminate barriers to renewable energy adoption and development in Ghana: A CRITIC-fuzzy TOPSIS approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 47-65.
    5. Shirley Thompson, 2023. "Strategic Analysis of the Renewable Electricity Transition: Power to the World without Carbon Emissions?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-34, August.
    6. Kyere, Francis & Dongying, Sun & Bampoe, Gertrude Dotse & Kumah, Naana Yaa Gyamea & Asante, Dennis, 2024. "Decoding the shift: Assessing household energy transition and unravelling the reasons for resistance or adoption of solar photovoltaic," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    7. Hamagham Peter Ishaku & Humphrey Adun & Moein Jazayeri & Mehmet Kusaf, 2022. "Decarbonisation Strategy for Renewable Energy Integration for Electrification of West African Nations: A Bottom-Up EnergyPLAN Modelling of West African Power Pool Targets," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-36, November.
    8. Li Yang & Sumaiya Bashiru Danwana & Issahaku Fadilul-lah Yassaanah, 2021. "An Empirical Study of Renewable Energy Technology Acceptance in Ghana Using an Extended Technology Acceptance Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-19, September.

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