Thanks to past investments in hydro power, Ghana already generates nearly 70% of its electricity from renewable sources, but that didn’t stop the government from passing a groundbreaking policy that assures its place as a leader in the production of clean energy, even as it exploits rich oil and gas deposits.
"Renewable energy is a very strong area that Americans have a great deal of expertise In, so we will certainly be looking to that initiative (Power Africa)...and also support the capacity building initiatives in the power sector in the country, so that it is sustainable in the long term”
MAWUENA TREBARH, CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC)
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“The 2011 Renewable Energy Act opened up a lot of investment opportunities,” says Inusah Abdulai B. Fuseini, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. “The act states that any distribution company that buys power must obtain at least 10% of its power from renewable resources. This means that 500 MW out of the projected 5,000 MW by 2016 should come from renewable resources. That is huge.”
“Huge” also accurately describes the Nzema project in Western Ghana, which when completed will be the largest solar plant in Africa, according to the developer. “The Renewable Energy Law policy has created a lot more clarity for these players who are interested in considering solar, wind, biomass, and other renewable energy solutions,” says Mawuena Trebarh, CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC).
Ghana will be looking to its partners in the U.S. to help achieve these goals, with Power Africa providing the funds and the support to make that happen. “Renewable energy is a very strong area that Americans have a great deal of expertise in,” adds Trebarh. “We will certainly be looking to that initiative for what it was meant to do: support the capacity building initiatives in the power sector in the country, so that it is sustainable in the long term.”
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