By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR) March 18, GNA – Mr. Philip Kwesi Banini, a Petroleum Geoscientist and Policy Analyst, in the Volta Region, has urged the government to consider investing in renewable energy to mitigate the country’s energy crises.
According to Mr. Banini, renewable energy was the way forward, and Ghana must take advantage of its abundant renewable energy resources.
Mr Banini, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said renewable energy referred to energy generated from natural resources that could be replenished over time, such as sunlight, wind, rain, and geothermal heat.
“Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and contributed to climate change, renewable energy is sustainable and environmentally friendly, and l think if the country can invest in this area of renewable energy sources, our plight of electricity power supply crises will be over,” he said.
He explained that the various sources of renewable energy included solar energy, wind energy, hydro energy, geothermal energy, as well as biomass energy and solar energy harnessesed the power of the sun’s rays, while wind energy used wind turbines to generate electricity with hydro energy leverages the energy of moving water, such as rivers and oceans, to produce electricity, and Ghana has of sources in excess.
He said geothermal energy utilises heat from the Earth’s core to generate electricity, while biomass energy is produced from organic matter such as wood, crops, and waste and each of the sources has unique benefits and can be harnessed to meet Ghana’s energy needs.
“The importance of renewable energy cannot be overstated. For one, it will reduce Ghana’s dependence on fossil fuels, which are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive, renewable energy also helps to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions among others.”
Mr Banini told the GNA that renewable energy could create jobs and stimulate local economies, particularly in rural areas where many renewable energy sources are located and mitigate unemployment plight among youth and investing in renewable energy can also improve energy security, reduce energy poverty, and enhance energy access.
He said that the cost of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines, has decreased significantly over the years, making them more affordable and accessible.
Renewable energy can be used in many ways, including generating electricity, heating and cooling buildings, and powering transportation and the public can use it to power homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating energy crises.
He advised the government to improve the production of renewable energy and invest in infrastructure, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric dams and provide incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies, to encourage private sector investment in renewable energy.
Mr Banini said that government should help implement and develop policies and regulations that support the development of renewable energy, such as setting renewable energy targets and providing training and capacity-building programmes for renewable energy professionals to boost the sector for successes.
He added that, “renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed, for example sunlight and wind, are sources that are constantly being replenished and are plentiful and all around us every day.”
He told the GNA that investing in renewable energy was critical for the country’s energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability which would in a long-term help reduce the over dependence on fossil fuels electricity energy.
He also emphasised that for Ghana to improve and develop the energy sectors and provide lasting solution to the powers crises, the government must take proactive steps to harness the abundant renewable energy resources and transition towards a low-carbon economy.
GNA
MA/KOA