Re: All Government Residential Facilities, Ministries To Switch To Solar - Agyarko

The Writer

Perceptions that renewable power is expensive are at best outdated, and at worst a dangerous fallacy (IRENA, 2014).

Energy and the environment has become a day to day issue in Ghana and going green has become the main stream. I must say congratulations to Hon. Agyarko initiative to solarize all government properties. Ghana hasn't missed the boat at all when it comes to the development of renewable energy technology. The sole panacea to our power debacle has always been with us, which is sustainable energy (solar).

Hon. Agyarko’s idea is a great way to address all government building energy usage, the demand response and building greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings account for 17% of greenhouse gas emissions. This idea will palliate the government building footprint, increase awareness and acceptance of renewable energy as well as provide economic benefit. 1000 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels will generate 250kW and that will be good enough to power 50 government buildings (average size). Also, effort must be put in place to solarize all street light and that will save Ghana tremendous amount of money.

This move is another milestone to challenge all cooperations operating in Ghana to incorporate sustainable energy (solar) in their Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR). This will go a long way to reduce strain on the national grid, generate enough power to the grid and help reduce load shedding in the long term. Sustainable energy as mentioned shouldn't be the mindset of the do-gooder but must involve all. Whether your organization is a climate change skeptic or environmental adamant, the term sustainable energy should be included in your business agenda, specifically here in Ghana.

Ghana must swiftly shift energy generation away from dirty fossil fuel to a cleaner source of energy like solar if it's to prevent increase in temperature. Why does this transition matter? Ghana as of now generates most of its energy from fossil fuel or dirty diesel which catalysis climate change. The resultant effect of that will cause massive flooding in our cities and destruction of properties. Ghana’s society currently is a carbon structure that relies heavily on oil. If oil reaches its tipping point, it will lead to the collapse of Ghana.

The time is now for Ghana to transition soon in order to decarbonize its foot print. As stated in the budget 3% will be allocated to renewable energy. Hopefully that 3% won’t be long on carrots but short on effective stick. Above all, Ghana can do better than it is doing now in terms of renewable energy generation.

By Nana Adjei BA, BES, Ept, MES, Dip.
About the author
A passionate environmentalist with experience in energy planning software, RetScreen International Expert. Currently developing a Business Plus Model that will be delivered to the Ministry of Energy to aid the energy crisis. It is his phantasmagoria to see Ghana go 100% renewable energy. Solar is doable, the time is right so is the price. It is for the hoi polloi.