Mr. Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, Director at AT Consult, a sustainable energy consulting firm, revealed these plans to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the 15th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi.

Under the theme “Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition – The Way Forward,” the two-day event brought together ministers, high-level delegates from IRENA’s 139 member states, development banks, academia, CEOs, and youth leaders to foster cross-sectoral collaboration on the global energy transition.

Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo disclosed that Ghana has conducted wind energy studies at 13 sites, identifying good to moderate wind speeds along the coast from Tema to Aflao.

“The necessary wind speed measurements have been done, and locations where the wind speeds can be easily harnessed for moderate to good power generation have been identified. It is now open for prospective investors to come and invest,” he said.

He further explained, “From the coast of Tema down to Aflao, the land is very plain with no tall trees or mountains, making it suitable for installing utility-scale wind power plants.”

To attract investors, Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo noted that the necessary policy frameworks have been established. He highlighted progress in wave energy development, stating that areas from Ada through Anloga to Keta have been identified as high-potential zones for wave energy generation.

“Wave energy potential was found around Ada through Anloga and Keta. It is not surprising because that section of the sea has strong waves, making it difficult for fishermen to go there for expeditions,” he said.

He shared that a test wave energy plant had been installed but was dismantled by the strength of the waves within three days. “The team of engineers is currently remodeling a more robust plant, which is almost ready for testing,” he added, expressing optimism that Ghana could install its first 5 MW wave energy system by the end of 2025.

In the West African sub-region, Ghana has made significant strides in renewable energy, with 30% of its energy derived from the Akosombo and Bui hydro dams. Plans are underway to increase this contribution by 10% over the next five years.

The latest Ghana Sixth National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report by the Environmental Protection Agency reveals that the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have tripled between 1990 and 2022, primarily due to growth in the energy sector. Emissions from fuel combustion surged ninefold, driven by increased vehicle numbers and the transition from fuel oil to natural gas in electricity generation. GHG emissions from the oil and gas industry also saw a 498.9% increase from 2012 to 2022 due to industry expansion.

Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo and other energy experts believe that increasing renewable energy projects and incorporating nuclear power as part of Ghana’s energy mix will significantly reduce emissions. They also advocate for transitioning to electric vehicles and promoting electric cooking to enhance energy efficiency and reduce air pollution.

“This will mean reducing poor air quality, which causes public health concerns and imposes economic burdens on individuals and the country,” Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo concluded.