- Ghana seeks investors to develop wind and tidal wave energy to expand its renewable energy portfolio and boost national grid capacity.
- Wind studies show promising results along the coast from Tema to Aflao, while wave energy potential exists from Ada through Anloga and Keta.
- Plans to add 5 MW of wave energy by 2025 will complement existing hydropower, helping reduce emissions and enhance energy access.
Ghana calls for investors to expand its wind and tidal wave energy projects to grow its renewable energy portfolio and strengthen the national grid.
Mr Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, Director of AT Consult, shared this at the 15th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi. The “Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition – The Way Forward” event brought together global leaders to discuss energy transition strategies.
Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo explained that studies on wind energy across 13 areas along the coast, from Tema to Aflao, showed promising results. “We conducted all necessary measurements and identified locations with moderate to good wind speeds for utility-scale wind plants,” he said. The flat terrain, without tall trees or mountains, eases wind turbine installations.
Ghana also targets wave energy potential. Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo referenced strong waves from Ada through Anloga and Keta, making these areas suitable for wave energy projects. “We set up a test wave plant, but the strong waves damaged it. Engineers now work on a more durable system,” he explained. Ghana aims to operate a five-megawatt wave energy plant by the end of 2025.
Ghana’s renewable energy mix already includes hydropower, with the Akosombo and Bui dams providing 30% of the country’s energy. Officials plan to increase renewable energy by 10% in the next five years.
However, Ghana faces rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Sixth National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report highlights a threefold increase in emissions from 1990 to 2022.
Emissions from the energy sector grew ninefold during this period, mainly due to fuel combustion and the shift to natural gas for electricity generation. The oil and gas sectors also contributed significantly to emissions since the industry’s growth in 2012.
Energy experts, including Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo, urge the expansion of renewable projects and the inclusion of nuclear energy to reduce emissions. He stressed the importance of affordable power to help Ghana transition to electric vehicles and cleaner cooking solutions, which would lower air pollution and related health issues.
Ghana’s push for renewable energy aligns with international climate goals. The country actively pursues strategies to cut emissions, addressing the energy sector as the primary source of its rising GHG levels.
The government implements several policies to attract wind and tidal wave energy sector investors. Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo expressed optimism about Ghana’s renewable future, noting the country’s leadership in hydropower development across the subregion.
With these wind and wave projects, Ghana aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, diversify its energy sources, and meet national and international energy transition targets. These efforts will help lower emissions and improve energy access for underserved communities.