By Edward Acquah/Valarie Asare
Accra, Nov. 6, GNA – India and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their support for Ghana’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy as part of global efforts to combat climate change.
At the opening of the 3rd Power and Energy Ghana Expo and Exhibition in Accra, both countries expressed their commitment to partnering with Ghana in advancing its energy sector, particularly in the areas of sustainable energy solutions and efficiency.
Mr. Shri Manish Gupta, the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, and Mrs. Harriet Thompson, the UK High Commissioner to Ghana, highlighted that both Indian and UK companies were eager to collaborate with Ghanaian innovators to roll out products and services that would support the country’s transition to renewable energy.
The three-day event, which brought together 100 exhibitors and approximately 1,000 professionals from around the world, served as a platform to showcase cutting-edge energy innovations and to discuss strategies for scaling up renewable energy.
It also provided an opportunity to address the challenges of demand and supply in the energy sector, with a focus on promoting sustainable and efficient energy solutions for Ghana’s development.
As the global push to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy intensifies, Ghana has unveiled its National Energy Transition Framework (2022-2070), outlining a strategic plan to decarbonize its energy sector.
The country has set an ambitious goal to fully transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy by 2070, with an estimated cost of US$561.8 billion for the plan’s implementation over the next five decades.
Mr. Shri Manish Gupta, the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, emphasized the critical role that energy played in the development of nations.
He stated that efficient and sustainable energy systems was essential for Ghana’s economic growth and prosperity.
Mr. Gupta said India, with its vast expertise in energy solutions, was eager to collaborate with Ghana in achieving reliable, efficient, and affordable energy systems.
He expressed his country’s willingness to share its knowledge and build partnerships that would enable Ghana realize its energy transition goals.
“Energy is one sector that is going to play an accelerated and important role in Ghana’s economic growth,” he said.
Mrs Thompson said the UK was committed to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050, adding that the country had built expertise in renewable energy solutions particularly in battery storage solutions.
She said Ghana had an important role to play in global energy transition following the discovery of lithium – an important raw material to produce electric car batteries and other products.
“I look forward to further partnerships in clean energy transitions, driving trade, growth and supporting a cleaner planet for future generations,” Mrs Thompson said.
Mrs Wilhemina Asamoah, Chief Director, Ministry of Energy, said Ghana was on course to achieving sustainable and modern energy access by 2030.
She said about 85 per cent of the citizenry had access to electricity, adding that the Ministry was exploring solar energy solutions to increase electricity access in remote communities.
“The Ministry of Energy has launched policies to increase renewable energy share to at least 10 per cent of our total energy mix by 2030,” Mrs Asamoah said.
Dr Joseph Obeng, President, Ghana Union of Traders Association, appealed to stakeholders in the sector to patronise the exhibition and called for deepened sensitisation of the public on energy efficiency.
GNA