A study on how Ghana can develop and implement a strategy for renewable energy in the perspective of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ghana is far from having a sustainable and independent energy system. The current energy mix in the country is: traditional biomass (66.7%); crude oil ̸petroleum products (26.2%); and electricity (7.1%) is mainly from high hydro plants. The present energy insecurity dilemma where demand for energy is sufficiently needed for sustainable development leaves Ghana with no option than to exploit her renewable energy resources and increase electricity supply. The study seeks to address five main research questions: (a) What are the sources of renewable energy in Ghana? (b) What capacity does Ghana have in the production and consumption of renewable energy? (c) What are the strategies for the implementation of renewable energy in Ghana? (d) How are these strategies implemented in the perspective of the United Nation s Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement? (e) What are the constraints to investment in renewable energy generation? The four main Renewable Energy resources identified in Ghana are solar, biomass, hydro energy and wind energy. Detailed analysis for each resource was done. The study concludes with a plan on where, why, and how to implement renewable energy strategies in the perspective of the UN SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement. The study therefore recommends that there should be a creation of regulatory framework that is RE friendly and promoting awareness of the benefits of RETs.