Deputy Minister of Energy, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has said Ghana’s Renewable Energy Masterplan aims to increase the proportion of renewable energy in the national energy mix from 42.5 megawatts (MW) to 1,363.63 (with grid connected systems totalling 1094.63MW).
Currently, the figure stands at 180MW – representing 3.3% of Ghana’s energy mix. This is despite government’s Strategic National Energy Plan (SNEP) that aimed to achieve 10% penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) into the country’s energy mix by the year 2020.
He indicated that government has implemented policies and regulatory frameworks that promote sustainable practices and attract investments in clean energy.
To this end, the Deputy Energy Minister indicated that Ghana’s cooperation with Germany under the ‘Reform and Investment Partnership’ – in the framework of the G20 Compact with Africa Initiative on Renewable Energy and Efficiency – is among useful collaborations government has sought to improve access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy in the country by facilitating private investment.
Mr. Mercer noted that the West African Clean Energy and Environment Trade Fair and Conference 2023 (WACEE ’23) provides an invaluable platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
For his part, the delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana (AHK), Burkhardt Hellemann, said in these extraordinary times when the world faces pressing challenges and the urgent need to mitigate climate change, AHK has the privilege to convene leaders, innovators and advocates for sustainability across West Africa and beyond.
He observed that over the event’s duration, participants will get opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions, explore cutting-edge technologies and connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion for a sustainable future.
Mr. Hellemann said the transition to clean energy will mainly be achieved by private companies, SMEs and start-ups. That is why AHK, he said, is particularly excited to host over 40 companies in the renewable space – to dialogue, share experiences and find solutions, both existing and futuristic, for existing climate change challenges.
The 11th edition of WACEE, the leading conference on renewable energy and environmental technologies in West Africa, themed ‘Leading a Sustainable Transition’ was a two-day exhibition and conference on clean energy held from October 19 to 20 in the Grand Arena of Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
