scholarly journals Electrical energy transition in the context of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Osei-Tutu ◽  
Samuel Boadi ◽  
Vincent Kusi-Kyei

Abstract Background In Ghana, energy transition as a research theme is new. It is unclear whether energy transition has occurred or not, and if so, in what form. This study sought to find out whether this transition has occurred in Ghana’s electrical energy sector and how using indicators deduced from literature, such as change in energy source type, change in energy ownership and management, and transition to greener vehicular transportation. Methods Information on Ghana’s electrical energy transition was obtained from thematic content analysis of Ghana’s renewable energy policy documents, energy sector reports, newspaper articles and information on the websites of Ghana’s energy sector institutions such as the Volta River Authority, Ghana Grid Company Limited, Electricity Company of Ghana and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company. Results In this study, it was demonstrated that two structural changes have occurred in Ghana’s electrical energy sector: (1) Transition from an exclusively hydro energy to a hydro-thermal mix, with thermal energy constituting about 69% of the 2020 generation mix; and (2) Transition from an exclusively state supplied energy to a state-private supply mix, with about 56% of the 2020 supply coming from private companies. These changes were motivated by the need to expand the energy supply in response to an increasing demand of 10–15% per year. The study also indicated that renewable energy had attracted attention in policy, with policy targets such as 10% renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030 and provision of renewable energy to 1000 off-grid communities by 2030. However, renewable energy currently constitutes less than 1% of the electrical energy mix. Also, there has been no change in the heavy reliance on fossil energy for vehicular transportation. Conclusions The study concludes that energy transition in its broad sense of structural changes in a country’s electrical energy system has occurred in Ghana, however a sustainable energy transition in the sense of a transition to greener energy has not occurred. It is recommended that further studies should be conducted on why Ghana’s renewable energy agenda has so far only been an agenda in policy with very minimal implementation in practice.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Osei-Tutu ◽  
Samuel Boadi ◽  
Vincent Kusi-Kyei

Abstract Background In Ghana, energy transition as a research theme is new and its manifestations are not glaring. It is inconclusive as to whether energy transition has occurred or not, and in what form if it has occurred. The study sought to find out if energy transition has occurred in Ghana’s electrical energy sector and how. Methods Pieces of information on Ghana’s electrical energy transition manifestations were obtained from reviews of Ghana’s renewable energy policy documents, namely the Ghana Renewable Energy Act (2011) and the Ghana Renewable Energy Master Plan (2019); reviews of Ghana energy sector reports, newspaper articles and information on the websites of Ghana’s energy sector institutions such as the Volta River Authority, Ghana Grid Company Limited, Electricity Company of Ghana and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company; and personal observations.Results The study found that fundamental changes have occurred in Ghana’s electrical energy sector: in the form of transition from exclusive hydro energy to hydro-thermal mix, with thermal constituting about 69% of the 2020 generation mix; and transition from exclusively State supply to State-private supply mix, with about 56% of present supply coming from private companies. These changes have been motivated by need to expand energy supply in response to increasing demand of 10-15% per annum. Renewable energy has attracted attention in policy, with targets such as 10% renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030 and provision of renewable energy to 1,000 off grid communities by 2030. However, renewable energy currently constitutes less than 1% of the electrical energy mix. There has been no change in heavy reliance on fossil energy for vehicular transportation.Conclusions Energy transition in its broad sense of fundamental changes in a country’s electrical energy system has occurred in Ghana but sustainability energy transition in the sense of transition to greener energy has not occurred in Ghana. It is recommended that further studies are conducted on why Ghana’s renewable energy agenda has so far only been agenda in policy with very minimal implementation in practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Assem S. BAKTYMBET ◽  
Saule S. BAKTYMBET ◽  
Rakymzhan K. YELSHIBAYEV ◽  
Galiya S. UKUBASSOVA ◽  
Aisara S. BAKTYMBET

The relevance of the subject matter is conditioned upon the fact that currently the main direction of global energy development is already clearly visible: under the influence of changes in energy policy and the development of new technologies, the world is entering the stage of the fourth energy transition to the widespread use of renewable energy sources and displacement of fossil fuels. The development of Kazakhstan's economy requires the transition of energy towards clean and safe renewable sources, which will let the country build a new strong economy and break out of the long-running socio-economic decline, help the international community solve the problem of climate change and improve the safety and welfare of its citizens. The purpose of the study: The purpose of the paper is to develop recommendations for the development of Kazakhstan's energy industry at a new stage in the fundamental transformation of the global energy system. Leading approach to researching the problem. The leading methods of researching the problems of the paper include the analysis of theoretical sources, analysis of statistics, and comparison. Analysis of statistical indicators plays a crucial role in the study, since data on the development of Kazakhstan's energy industry can be directly obtained from statistical databases. The results of the study. The paper discusses the essence of the fourth energy transition, its main aspects, explores renewable energy sources, identifies the features and problems of Kazakhstan's energy industry, and develops ways to solve them. Prospects for further research. To implement the modern provisions of the fourth energy transition in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to use a systematic approach. The basic elements of such a transition are the introduction of renewable energy and energy efficiency (the intensification of reducing the energy intensity of goods and services). The materials of the paper are of practical value for the development of Kazakhstan’s energy during the period of fundamental structural transformations of the world energy sector.  


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (18) ◽  
pp. 3783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianmarco Aniello ◽  
Johannes Többen ◽  
Wilhelm Kuckshinrichs

The economic impacts of the German Renewable Energy Act (EEG) are of considerable importance for the discussion of the energy transition in Germany (Energiewende). The Energiewende implies structural changes of the energy system by deploying Renewable Energy (and energy efficiency) Technologies (RET), but it also may induce structural changes for the overall economy, with uneven effects on a sub-national level. North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW) is an ideal case to study such regional disparities, since this federal state has scarce per-capita renewable energy sources, whereas it stands out for its energy intensive industry and fossil-fuel based power plants. In order to support renewable energy policies, mostly gross impact assessments of RET deployment have been carried out both on national and regional levels. By definition, such analyses result in positive assessments, since only expansionary effects resulting from additional demand for RET are accounted for. This paper, in contrast, presents a net impact assessment of the EEG on the NRW economy of both expansionary and contractionary effects. The latter consist of negative income effects, increased production costs and, the crowding-out of conventional energy due to the renewable energy financing mechanism (i.e., electricity surcharge), as well as its preferential status for feed-in. Our findings show how North-Rhine Westphalia, with regard to the operation of RET, suffers disproportionally from negative effects in relation to the value addition of its economy in comparison to the rest the country, whereas it benefits marginally from the production of such facilities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 10-15
Author(s):  
Petar Đukić ◽  
◽  
Slaviša Đukanović

Serious structural changes in energy sector are expected in the next period. System long-term and fundamental changes we could simply call energy transition. There are two basic reasons for that: the first is caused by global flows influenced by climate changes and strategies, which are more complicated and very demanding; the second reason is situation in the energy sector and economic system in Serbia, especially in the environmental area and natural resources management. The losses and pollution costs, caused by energy sector, make Serbian energy one of the most neglected and the least promising in the region of south-eastern Europe. Serious structural changes in energy sectorare in big delay. Nowadays Serbia wastes the energy, in comparison, not only with more developed countries (OECD and EU) but with comparabl ecountries in the region. Every day Serbian economy and society emit more and more pollutants in environment, and the whole economic system suffers by losses of the energy. Populism as chronic problem of economic and energy policies is the logical consequence of incompetent political party’s management and weak economizing with energy potentials. System depoliticization, technology modernization and strategic greening of the whole energy system of Serbia are expected in the future. Sustainability of the processes in energy is long-term task that start swith gradual and difficult economic steps. More expensive, clearer and socially available energy is something that considers higher income and better life quality, but requires new energy culture of citizens, economy structure and state system.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-159
Author(s):  
Anna Kucharska

The transformation of the energy sector is one of today’s global megatrends. The main aim of this process includes shifting energy production to renewable sources, decarbonizing the economy, and improving energy efficiency, especially in the most energy-intensive sectors. These changes lead the energy sectors of different states to ensure security and maintain environmental protection in order to guarantee the civilization’s progressive development. One of the tools for the implementation and development of a new model of the energy sector is digitization, which is a direct consequence of the increasing complexity of the energy system. Digitization is an essential element in the management of smart grids and smart meters and for controlling the entire energy system, as well as guaranteeing fair distribution. The digitization process integrates the state energy system; however, it also increases its vulnerability to potential cyber-threats. The aim of this paper is to analyze the cybersecurity challenges facing the Polish power sector in light of the energy transition policy promoted in the EU with a particular focus on the latest legislation presented in the Clean Energy Package. The Polish energy sector is on the verge of structural changes; therefore the main question is: How to implement them to avoid errors? The paper provides a glimpse into the most venerable areas, which should be taken into consideration by political decision-makers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6300
Author(s):  
Tobias Witt ◽  
Matthias Klumpp

Methods of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) from operations research have been applied to provide information for making long-term decisions in the energy sector, and energy policy. For example, in sustainability evaluations, multiple conflicting criteria can be considered. While most MCDM approaches have been applied to evaluate energy systems in a single period, the multi-criteria evaluation of energy system evolution over time has received less attention. To evaluate such transition paths, multi-period MCDM approaches can be used. Because of long-term planning horizons, deep uncertainties need to be considered. Based on prior multi-period MCDM approaches, this paper provides an extension of the outranking approach preference ranking and organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) for multi-period evaluations in deep uncertainty settings. In order to adequately address the consideration of uncertainties and to obtain an additional level of information, a multi-period PROMETHEE approach and scenario planning are combined. In an illustrative example, this method is applied to a case study from the German energy sector regarding a renewable energy transition. This highlights the potential interactions of a multi-period perspective and the consideration of external scenarios in the decision-making process.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 891-900
Author(s):  
Iban Lizarralde ◽  
Audrey Abi Akle ◽  
Mikhail Hamwi ◽  
Basma Samir

AbstractCurrent development of renewable energy systems (RES) is characterised by an increasing participation of citizens in the upstream decision-making process. These citizens can be future users of the RES but also members of a Renewable Energy Community that develop RES. They can be at the same time Renewable Energy producer, investor and consumer. Moreover, several type of businesses and terms are used to cope with social innovations within the energy sector: local renewable projects, sustainable energy communities or community of renewable energy production. So, actors' engagement opens new solutions for designers who are induced to share alternatives before making decisions. They usually impose constraints since the early phases of the design process. This approach implies for designers to consider new criteria related to citizens motivations and barriers. This paper presents a study to define the main factors that drive people to contribute in social innovation schemes for clean-energy transition. After a state of the art, a survey about 6 main factors and 18 criteria is presented. The analysis based on the responses from 34 participants (i.e. experts) reveals 2 most important factors of motivation and 2 principal barrier sources.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Anne Kallies

Abstract The law and regulation of the energy sector in Australia is subject to overlapping responsibilities of both federal and state governments. Crucially for energy transition efforts, neither energy, environment nor climate is mentioned in the Australian Constitution. Australia has a tradition of creative cooperative federalism solutions for responding to problems of national importance. In the energy sector this has resulted in an intricate national framework for energy markets, which relies on mirror legislation passed by participating states, with oversight by state and federal executive governments. Independently of these frameworks, both federal and state governments have passed climate change legislation, which crucially includes renewable energy support mechanisms. At a time when a rapid transition to a decarbonized energy system is essential, legal frameworks struggle to respond in a timely fashion. The political discourse around energy has become increasingly toxic – reflecting a dysfunctional state–federal relationship in energy and climate law. Australia needs to consider whether its cooperative federalism solutions are sufficient to support the energy transition and how climate law at the state and federal levels interacts with energy market legal frameworks.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-135
Author(s):  
Alana Malinde S.N. Lancaster

The states of the CARICOM and OECS Caribbean are small island developing states (SIDS) which are exceedingly vulnerable to economic and ecological shocks. Examples of vulnerability are the economic cost of a heavy reliance on imported oil & gas resources, and the pernicious effects of climate change. A key strategy to mitigate these vulnerabilities is to invest in renewables, increase resilience, and effect an energy transition for the Region. However, research and data on renewable energy and resilience in the region is still evolving. Further, it has become apparent from stakeholder fora such as CREF and IRAC that there are certain fundamental elements which need to be understood and addressed before the Region can achieve a just energy transition. The first is a clear understanding of what resilience means for the Region's renewable energy sector. The second relates to financing options which incorporate elements of resilience into renewable energy projects. Thirdly, in the rebuilding from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recognised that reimagining full gender equality in the energy sector will be key to sustainable and competitive development. This Article explores the recent developments to re-imaging the route to resilience and renewables in the CARICOM & OECS Caribbean through collaborative efforts at the regional level. It also sets out the next steps in these three fundamental areas and outlines the role for future research to support these regional initiatives.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-223
Author(s):  
Izzet Alp Gul ◽  
Gülgün Kayakutlu ◽  
M. Özgür Kayalica

Technological improvements allow changing a significant part of the electricity generation investments to renewable energies. Especially in emerging markets and energy import-dependent countries, shift to renewable energy generation became more important to break the links of dependency. Pakistan relies on imported fossil fuels; however, the country’s experience and ambition about the renewable energy transition gain prominence in recent years. Considering the long-term life cycle of energy infrastructure investments, possible risk factors and their dynamic nature must be analysed before the financial decisions are taken. This article aims to propose a system dynamics model for the risk analysis of investment life cycle. In this study, possible risk factors are detected and discussed in different categories. The casual loop diagram of possible risk factors and risk assessment model are designed, and the impacts are analysed. Case study of the proposed model in Pakistan highlighted the importance of commercial risks. The results achieved through this study will guide investors, sector participants and policymakers to develop stable strategies for promoting renewable energy in the country. JEL: Q42, P48, O13


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