By Dominic Hlordzi and Mabel Annang
As Ghana grapples with energy supply challenges due to climate change and other factors, energy experts are calling for a strategic partnership between fossil fuel and renewable energy companies to help innovate cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions for consumers.
Through collaboration, fossil fuel and renewable energy companies can develop innovative solutions to decarbonize energy production, reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported fuels, and enhance energy security.
At a reception for Energy Companies at the residence of the German Ambassador, industry players emphasized that the strategic alliance could pave the way for a more resilient and environmentally friendly energy future for the country.
It was an exclusive networking event aimed at fostering impactful partnerships between German Renewable Energy companies and key stakeholders in Ghana’s green ecosystem.
The event was a unique opportunity to explore synergies, discuss challenges, and initiate collaborations and partnerships that can drive sustainable energy solutions in Ghana.
Ghana’s reliance on hydropower has been severely impacted by erratic rainfall patterns, emphasizing the need for a more diversified energy mix.
Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, can provide a stable and sustainable source of electricity.
Recent discussions at the West African Energy Summit, attended by German companies and representatives from key Energy Institutions in Ghana, highlighted the potential of renewable energy in diversifying Ghana’s energy sector.
Opening the session, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Ghana Ms. Sivine Jansen said Ghana’s energy sector is facing significant challenges, including high costs, unreliability, and over reliance on international financial assistance.
These factors have contributed to a decline in the country’s energy sector and a growing need for alternative sources.
“We very often hear that Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, SMEs, are looking for other solutions because energy here is expensive and not always reliable.”
She believed the time for more renewable energy in the generation mix is right at the moment, since “Ghana has almost a dysfunctioning energy sector with losses of almost 1.8 billion dollars in 2022 which was a big reason why Ghana has to go to the IMF for the 17th times.”
Ms. Jansen observed that now the surplus in the energy sector is diminishing and getting to zero.
In view of this, she said energy hunger is rising again in the country.
To address the challenges she said alternative sources are urgently needed.
CEO of Solar Kiosk, Thomas Rieger called for collaboration between fossil fuel and solar companies.
“We need to invest in renewable energy in a hybrid model roll out. Fossil fuels will not disappear quickly.”
He said what Solar Kiosk did at the West African Energy Summit was to introduce some models on how renewable energy companies can work with fossil fuel companies without fighting them, adding that both parties need to come together to bring decarbonization to the fossil fuel business by delivering solar power for their energy needs for exploration and extraction.
By embracing renewable energy, Ghana can enhance its energy security, reduce its carbon footprint, and create new economic opportunities for its citizens.
The event was co-hosted by Energy Network for Berlin & Africa (ENBA) and SLA Consulting.
The two key organizations are at the forefront of promoting cross-continental collaborations in the renewable energy sector.
ENBA is an initiative dedicated to bridging green energy innovation ecosystems between Berlin and Africa, while SLA Consulting specializes in empowering businesses to thrive in diverse markets by guiding European Union (EU) companies to explore the abundant opportunities in Africa, while also supporting African businesses expanding into European markets.
