Background

Ghana is endowed with abundant renewable energy (RE) resources including solar, wind, biomass and hydro resources which could supplement the traditional sources of energy for the country.
The Energy Commission – the Ghanaian Energy regulator is preparing a RE policy and regulatory framework and is drafting a RE law.  The intent is to provide a level playing field that will attract potential developers of RE energy production, and to provide a framework for climate change mitigation in Ghana.
The Energy Commission has assessed the country's RE resources, but to ensure the effective promotion of the RE in the country, geographic information system (GIS) planning tools are necessary for timely analysis of RE resources, data and review of plans.

Purpose

To develop GIS-based tools to support decision-making and policy initiatives that are designed to attract public and private investment in Ghana’s RE sector.

Main Activities

• Review existing RE resource data, energy policies, strategies and plans
• Collect RE resource data and GIS data sets on electricity grid lines, road network, topography, population density, land use/cover, etc from the Energy Commission, Meteorological Service Agency, Forestry Commission and other sources.
• Develop and validate GIS maps and alternative business development scenarios
• Develop GIS based methods and tools
• Train key staff of Energy Commission, Ministry of Energy, utilities, and researchers in using the GIS-based tools for energy planning, academic and research purposes.

Expected Impact

• More accurate techno-economic analysis that will result in realistic cost-benefit projections, and outlining of financial incentives and energy development policies
• Influence on policy and national energy planning, particularly in diversifying Ghana’s RE profile to include forms other than hydroelectric,  and lessening Ghana’s exposure to unstable oil prices affecting thermal generation costs.
• Mainstream investors such as venture capital firms and independent power producers will be encouraged to invest in RE thanks to clear resource mapping.
• Shortened investment decision time on the construction of RE plants