The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canadian clean energy company Portage Energy Group Inc. to develop a transformative national waste-to-energy and waste-to-value initiative.

The project aims to address Ghana’s growing municipal waste challenges while strengthening the country’s renewable energy capacity.

The MoU, signed on May 19, 2026, designates Portage Energy Group Inc. as the Preferred Development Partner for the proposed project, which seeks to convert municipal solid waste (MSW) into bio-organic pellets, generate clean electricity, and eventually refine the pellets into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Initial technical and environmental engineering studies are expected to commence within the Tema Metropolitan Area, with a particular focus on the Kpone Landfill site.

Project overview

The partnership between the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and Portage Energy Group Inc. will deliver integrated facilities designed to produce three main outputs: bio-organic pellets (refuse-derived fuel), clean electricity, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Each facility is expected to generate up to 25 megawatts (MW) of electricity, with approximately 5 MW allocated for operational use, while the remaining power will be supplied to Ghana’s national grid.

The initiative will be fully financed by the private sector through Portage Energy, with no financial obligation on the Government of Ghana.

Strategic benefits and impact

The initiative aligns with Ghana’s climate resilience goals and circular economy agenda.

By diverting organic waste from landfills, the project is expected to reduce methane emissions, extend the lifespan of existing waste infrastructure, and create employment opportunities for local communities.

The project is also anticipated to support Ghana’s renewable energy transition and position the country as a future hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in Africa, with the potential to generate significant foreign exchange revenue through future SAF exports.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, described the partnership as a major milestone in Ghana’s green transition agenda.

“This partnership aligns seamlessly with Ghana’s strategic commitment to sustainable waste management and our green transition. By turning municipal solid waste into reliable, clean electricity, we are not only addressing sanitation challenges but also strengthening our national energy security and driving local economic growth without drawing on public funds,” he stated.

Chief Executive Officer of Portage Energy Group Inc., Craig Latimer, also expressed excitement about the partnership.

“Portage Energy is honoured to be designated as a Preferred Development Partner for this transformative project. Our proven waste-to-value solutions will reduce landfill dependence, generate up to 25 megawatts of clean power, and lay the essential groundwork for future Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in West Africa,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, described the agreement as another milestone in the strong bilateral relationship between Ghana and Canada.

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks another proud milestone in the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Ghana. We are thrilled to see Canadian innovation and expertise supporting Ghana’s ambitious climate resilience and circular economy goals,” she stated.

Next steps

Under the terms of the MoU, Portage Energy will immediately begin technical assessments and stakeholder engagements.

Following the completion of these processes, both parties are expected to negotiate definitive operational and power purchase agreements for the implementation of the project.

The initiative forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to promote renewable energy, climate resilience, sustainable urban management, and circular economy development while positioning the country as a future leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in Africa.

About Portage Energy Group Inc.

Portage Energy Group Inc. is a Calgary-based energy and infrastructure company that specialises in the deployment of advanced waste-to-value technologies.

The company designs, finances, constructs, and operates integrated waste conversion and clean energy facilities across the globe.