Renewable Energy Usage Still Low

The contribution of renewable energy to the nation’s annual electricity supply is less than one percent despite the fact that the country is richly endowed with renewable energy resources.

Solar, wind, biomass and hydro resources can be harnessed for heat and power production but the rate of exploitation of these resources except biomass, however, has not seen any significant progress despite several years of support from government and development partners. To this end, the Energy Commission embarked on the first phase of the Grid connected Solar PV and Wind Electricity Supply Pilot Project in 2010 with funding from the Energy Fund to promote greater uptake and integration of renewable energy into the national energy mix.

The Energy Commission launched the phase II of the Grid Connection Solar PV and Wind Electricity Supply Pilot Project in Accra on Tuesday for a selected eighteen proponents. Announcing it to the media at the office in Accra, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Alfred Ofosu Ahenkorah, said the project target has been public and private institutions, partnerships and individuals who are prepared to contribute at least 60 percent of the total (hardware) cost of the installations.

It is projected that 176kWp of grid connected solar PV systems would be installed throughout the country. Beneficiaries include schools, hospitals, offices and residential homes estimated to cost GH¢1.3 million. Dr. Ofosu Ahenkorah said the Commission has allocated GH¢270, 992.00 which constitutes 20 percent of the total cost from the Energy Fund. Hence, the Energy Commission’s contribution constitutes GH¢1.54 per watt of solar installation.

It is expected all installations would be completed by the end of the year. Dr. Ahenkorah said the Commission embarked on the grid connected solar PV and wind electricity supply pilot project to enable the Commission prepare adequately to ensure the effective implementation of the Renewable Energy Law which is currently before Parliament at the consideration stage.

During the first phase of the pilot project, 25kWp grid connected solar systems were installed at three institutions and two residential facilities. A 8.36kWp grid connected solar system was installed at the Valley View University, a 4.18kWp system installed at the Presbyterian Women Centre and a 4.18kWp system installed at Pure Company, an agro-processing company located at Benkrom in the Kintampo North District of the Brong Ahafo region.

Two individuals installed similar systems at their residence in Accra.

The 18 beneficiaries signed the Agreement with the Commission after the launch of phase II.

Source: B&FT