I am highly disappointed with the stand Dr. Kwabena Donkor, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy and Mines is trying to take in the grid connected solar energy. Is he aware that our ability to convert suns ... read full comment
I am highly disappointed with the stand Dr. Kwabena Donkor, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy and Mines is trying to take in the grid connected solar energy. Is he aware that our ability to convert sunshine into usable energy is becoming much cheaper far more rapidly than anyone had predicted?
Honourable Dr. Donkor, the cost of electricity in most parts of the world from photovoltaic, or PV, solar cells is now equal to or less than the cost of electricity from other sources powering electric grids.
If I'm not mistaken, it looks like the large carbon polluters, the fossil fuels magnates and their ideological allies are surreptitiously gaining a foothold in Ghana to upload their coal to us. We must make the effort to emulate successful renewable energy plans from any where in the world. The Energy Commission must not issue any "provisional" licenses for any grig-connected solar projects in the country, until it has studied the feasibility of installing other renewable sources of energy, The country's energy plan should be totally transparent.
At a time when most countries in the world are turning to low carbon clean- energy programs, we should resist all attempts to be hooked to grid-connected dirty coal.
Is Dr. Donkor and his coal friends aware that
Germany, Europe's industrial powerhouse, now generates 37% of its daily electricity from wind and solar. One day this year, renewables created 74% of the nation's electricity.
By the way, where is the coal coming from?
I know where the sun is coming from.
Enough raw energy reaches the Earth from the sun in one hour to equal all of the energy used by the entire world in a full year.
Dr. Donkor and his Parliamentary Select Committee should make an effort to go and talk to the new Prime Minister of India, Narenda Modi, who has announced an ambitious plan to rely principally upon photovoltaic energy in providing electricity to 400 million impoverished Indians who currently do not have it.
Even poor Bangladesh is installing nearly two new rooftop photovoltaic systems every hour, making it the most rapidly growing market for PV's in the world.
Sakamosta 9 years ago
It's a pity Marcus is so ignorant. Solar accounts for 4.5% of total generation in Germany. Marcus should stop deceiving the public. Coal accounts for more than 57% of electricity generation in Germany.
Ghana's peak load is i ... read full comment
It's a pity Marcus is so ignorant. Solar accounts for 4.5% of total generation in Germany. Marcus should stop deceiving the public. Coal accounts for more than 57% of electricity generation in Germany.
Ghana's peak load is in the evening when there is no sun unlike Germany where the peak load is in the the afternoon.
Does Marcus know the cost of generating 1kwh of electricity from solar with a battery back up system? Does he have a solar system himself?
Why not install one yourself and assess the challenges? Have a blessed day.
ANCIENT MAN 9 years ago
I AGREE 100% WITH MARCUS AMPADU'S PRACTICAL AND INSIGHTFUL EXPLANATION. YOU KNOW WHAT? I USE SOLAR ENERGY AND MY STORAGE CELLS SAVE ENOUGH ELECTRICITY IN THE DAY SO MUCH THAT I SUPPLY TEN-YES TEN HOMES TROUGHOUT THE NIGHT.DO ... read full comment
I AGREE 100% WITH MARCUS AMPADU'S PRACTICAL AND INSIGHTFUL EXPLANATION. YOU KNOW WHAT? I USE SOLAR ENERGY AND MY STORAGE CELLS SAVE ENOUGH ELECTRICITY IN THE DAY SO MUCH THAT I SUPPLY TEN-YES TEN HOMES TROUGHOUT THE NIGHT.DON'T CONDEMN WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, SAKAMOSATA.
Sakamosta 9 years ago
Solar energy is the most expensive form of providing electricity. Hence the need for feed in tariff. If solar is the most cost effective form of electricity in Ghana, why the low adoption rate? Why is the German residency and ... read full comment
Solar energy is the most expensive form of providing electricity. Hence the need for feed in tariff. If solar is the most cost effective form of electricity in Ghana, why the low adoption rate? Why is the German residency and embassy in Ghana not using solar instead of diesel generator as their back up power supply? Countries like Spain, Israel, UAE, Australia have more solar radiation than Ghana. These countries also have the ability to produce the panels themselves yet they don't rely on solar as their main source of electricity. What we need is cheap power and these can only come from. 1. Hydro 2.Coal, 3.Nuclear. 4. Natural Gas. Ghana has exploited its hydro potential to some extent. Gas is also being exploited. What we need to produce cheap power and drive the economy is Coal and Nuclear. This is what the Ministry of Energy and the Parliamentary committee on energy should be thinking about and not solar. As the MP rightly said, solar could be used to target remote communities where grid electricity cannot be extended to. Solar can also contribute significantly for distributed generation as described by Ancient Man to reduce consumption on grid electricity but not for utility scale power generation in the range above 50MW. Stay blessed.
MARCUS AMPADU 9 years ago
An ignoramus I am not; that is why I refuse to hide behind bogus appellation like Sakamosta's.
An ignoramus I am not; that is why I refuse to hide behind bogus appellation like Sakamosta's.
Kweku Boateng Jnr. 9 years ago
The anti-solar forces in Ghana can check the 148MW Andasol solar energy park in Spain that produces electricity 24 hours!
Wake up Ghanaian experts.
Government is right in promoting renewables. Wake up and let's use the rub ... read full comment
The anti-solar forces in Ghana can check the 148MW Andasol solar energy park in Spain that produces electricity 24 hours!
Wake up Ghanaian experts.
Government is right in promoting renewables. Wake up and let's use the rubbish across the country and generate power.
Wake up and source funding to construct Juale, Daboya, Koulbe, Jambinto and the other 15 potential sites of hydro.
Wake up and develop nuclear energy like Iran is doing.
Wake up and use solar energy in all offices including Flagstaff House, University of Ghana, Legon etc
Hope the 200 SHS Mahama is constructing has solar energy inbuilt.
Africans, think solar energy, eat solar energy and with abundance of energy we may develop!
Joe 9 years ago
Interesting points, but the main sector being ignore is the private sector, where estate developers could be incentivised through taxation to incorporate solar. This will limit the domestic demand. Only then can the focus be ... read full comment
Interesting points, but the main sector being ignore is the private sector, where estate developers could be incentivised through taxation to incorporate solar. This will limit the domestic demand. Only then can the focus be shifted to commercial generation.
Kweku Boateng Jnr. 9 years ago
There is a systematic attempt to prevent the development of solar energy in Ghana by men such as Kwabena Donkor. Look, as argued by Joe, if the estate developers take to solar and say 1.6 million homes in the upper class are ... read full comment
There is a systematic attempt to prevent the development of solar energy in Ghana by men such as Kwabena Donkor. Look, as argued by Joe, if the estate developers take to solar and say 1.6 million homes in the upper class areas of Accra, Tema and Kumasi using solar the pressure on Akosombo would be reduced. This would make the Akosombo dam profitable since it would produce for peak period. Akosombo would be 50 years next year. It was constructed to last 50 years! Think of how to save the great dam now!
In Chile today the largest solar energy project in Latin America is under way using new technology that allows the production of energy 24hours! Dr. Donkor and the anti solar energy experts should go on to www.theguardian.co.uk and check the energy sector. Read, think and think of Ghana first. If the Germans are going to make money from solar energy in Ghana so what? Who is preventing our business men and women from going into renewable? So should we prevent foreigners from our mines, oil, cocoa etc
In November 1965 in his speech commissioning the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission the great Nkrumah spoke of the need to invest and research on solar energy, directing that the UST take a lead. This is what Germany, Spain, China, the US military, Britain have done and are making solar, grid or non grid a reality.
The argument about solar taking land is bogus. What is the country doing with the millions of acres of land in northern Ghana? To take a few hectares and produce solar energy would not affect any food production. After all the technology is there whereby solar farms are used to generate electricity and food such as vegetables. It is taking place in China, Japan why not Ghana?
Finally, Sakamosta, do not insult. Marcus is one of the great contributors on renewable energy on this site. Let's state our views without insults. Go energy commission and support the implementation of the renewable act now.
Fred 9 years ago
Can I be educated? Do we have examples of solar-sourced energy running the heavy turbines of big industry? If yes, let us go for solar! If nein, then let us consider it as a mere back-up source and possibly for low requiremen ... read full comment
Can I be educated? Do we have examples of solar-sourced energy running the heavy turbines of big industry? If yes, let us go for solar! If nein, then let us consider it as a mere back-up source and possibly for low requirements in residential facilities with minimal consumption! I surmise, the problem for the Parliamentary Committee is not the small needs but a search for a sustainable, to-be trusted energy supply source to feed both industry and other commercial as well as residential needs? Hon. Donkor and Parliament therefore need more deeply weighted advice. Thank you all!
Gary Tulie 9 years ago
Given that grid power is often cut, many businesses where constant power is essential run diesel generators. For such a business, putting solar power on the business roof is attractive as it allows reduced consumption of expe ... read full comment
Given that grid power is often cut, many businesses where constant power is essential run diesel generators. For such a business, putting solar power on the business roof is attractive as it allows reduced consumption of expensive diesel.
Commercial customers are beginning to find solar attractive with the result that there is now a growing market in parts of India for solar power on the roofs of business premises.
Michigan 9 years ago
My question to those advocating the use of coal is, what do we do with the associated pollution that comes out of coal burning which has been identified as a major contributor to Global warming. Just checking.
My question to those advocating the use of coal is, what do we do with the associated pollution that comes out of coal burning which has been identified as a major contributor to Global warming. Just checking.
YOOMOBEGA 9 years ago
Good question Sakamosta did not bother to answer.
Good question Sakamosta did not bother to answer.
K barffour düsseldorf 9 years ago
Dr. Kwabena Donkor need to learn more and must be shame for himself. Thank you Marcus and co.
Dr. Kwabena Donkor need to learn more and must be shame for himself. Thank you Marcus and co.
MARCUS AMPADU 9 years ago
Thanks to all of you for contributing to the discussion in favour of solar energy -
Ancient Man, Kwaku Boateng Jnr., Michigan, and K barffuor dusseldorf.
I honestly wish we could join together to form our own solar and wi ... read full comment
Thanks to all of you for contributing to the discussion in favour of solar energy -
Ancient Man, Kwaku Boateng Jnr., Michigan, and K barffuor dusseldorf.
I honestly wish we could join together to form our own solar and wind energy company to put an end to the dumsor-dumsor nightmare.
Expert 9 years ago
Rest assured, not one of the planned solar projects will find financing. The low levels of long term guarantees for the feed-in tariffs combined with the dire state of the Ghana Cedi will automatically prevent any internation ... read full comment
Rest assured, not one of the planned solar projects will find financing. The low levels of long term guarantees for the feed-in tariffs combined with the dire state of the Ghana Cedi will automatically prevent any international funding for large power projects to come through. What would be required would be a minimum of 10 years of tariffs guaranteed in foreign currency, not as is based on the tumbling GHC. As GoG is not ready to help the foreign developers are losing millions on project preparation to no avail. Only the Energy Commission is stashing away the money for the provisional licenses.
Kweku Boateng Jnr. 9 years ago
The planned SADA 40MW has the resources. The same goes for the Chinese one, located to the south of Tamale near Buipe. And the 25MW that a Spanish/Ghanaian company known as Conexia is planning to construct 45kms to the nort ... read full comment
The planned SADA 40MW has the resources. The same goes for the Chinese one, located to the south of Tamale near Buipe. And the 25MW that a Spanish/Ghanaian company known as Conexia is planning to construct 45kms to the north of Tamale.And, I dare add the 20MW that a South African group known as Global innovations.
Let's stop this doom business. There are resources and Ghanaians must take advantage. Forward with Solar energy!
MARCUS AMPADU 9 years ago
Please watch this UNDP video guys -
Just go to Action4energy.org
I challenge Sakamosta to watch this UNDP video, and then we can discuss who is ignorant.
Please watch this UNDP video guys -
Just go to Action4energy.org
I challenge Sakamosta to watch this UNDP video, and then we can discuss who is ignorant.
Sakamosta 9 years ago
Just show one only one country that has been able to increase energy access based on grid connected solar power.
Pls don't get me wrong. Solar has an important role to play particularly on off grid locations. NOT FOR UTILITY ... read full comment
Just show one only one country that has been able to increase energy access based on grid connected solar power.
Pls don't get me wrong. Solar has an important role to play particularly on off grid locations. NOT FOR UTILITY SCALE AS A POWER PRODUCER AND CONNECTED TO THE MATIONAL ELECTRICITY GRID.
if solar is cheap, why have you all not invested in it as a power producer? Why are investors waiting for government support to milk the gov.? Ghana's power sector I believe is open to investments.
You should talk to the experts at the Ministry of Energy and the Energy commission and u will understand better.
Regarding coal, why should Ghana clean the worlds environment with the most expensive technology when the rich countries continue to burn coal? Germany between 2010 and 2012 added new coal plants more than 144,000Gwh (bigger than Ghana's power generation) to their generation mix. For those of you in America, Europe and Asia looking for greener pastures, check the source of the electricity you are all enjoying. Trust me, more than 40% is coming from coal. Solar May account for less than 5%.
Good evening to you all and stay blessed.
Kweku Boateng Jnr. 9 years ago
Spain through the Andasol solar energy project, Britain through several projects, Chile through its 24 hour solar plant in the north. And, I dare add Ghana through the 2.5 MW VRA solar farm in Navrongo.
Get involve and stop ... read full comment
Spain through the Andasol solar energy project, Britain through several projects, Chile through its 24 hour solar plant in the north. And, I dare add Ghana through the 2.5 MW VRA solar farm in Navrongo.
Get involve and stopping complaining about exploitation by foreigners. Go ask the NGO grouping campaigning for responsible mining, check the airline industry and it's the same. No one brings in capital into Ghana or any other country because the people are nice. It is Profit that guides investment. So would the dirty coal investors that you favour.
The US is giving Ghana 498million dollars for the power africa project. She demands reform of the ECG, what do you say? Read profit for those coming across the Atlantic.
The Asian and Arab Development Banks are pushing their governments to go solar, are they stupid?
By 2016, you would see the impact of solar energy, grid and off grid in Ghana. Stay blessed with solar energy!
Gary Tulie 9 years ago
In Ghana, generation is mostly from Hydro power, so there is substantial energy storage already in the market from hydro-electric dams. This being the case, any power produced by solar on grid is useful even if it does not pr ... read full comment
In Ghana, generation is mostly from Hydro power, so there is substantial energy storage already in the market from hydro-electric dams. This being the case, any power produced by solar on grid is useful even if it does not produce between 6pm and 11pm. When the sun is shining, some hydro can be turned down or turned off keeping more water behind the dams to generate power in the evening.
Kwame Joe 9 years ago
Wind farms will be better than solar and nuclear energy. The Kwahu-Akwapim ridge, coastal plains of Ghana, and the Mampong hills are very windy, and they will all be good locations to strart wind farms to install wind turbine ... read full comment
Wind farms will be better than solar and nuclear energy. The Kwahu-Akwapim ridge, coastal plains of Ghana, and the Mampong hills are very windy, and they will all be good locations to strart wind farms to install wind turbines to generate electricity. Obama should support green energy initiatives in Africa.
James Naru 9 years ago
You need to look at the full life cycle cost.
Equipment, the fuel, operation and maintenance and disposal.
The fuel cost of a solar plant is zero as sunlight is free and the maintenance is just a case of cleaning dust from ... read full comment
You need to look at the full life cycle cost.
Equipment, the fuel, operation and maintenance and disposal.
The fuel cost of a solar plant is zero as sunlight is free and the maintenance is just a case of cleaning dust from the panels. There are no moving parts in a solar plant as such maintenance is negligible
For a thermal plant, the cost of diesel is high and the maintenance cost of the engines are also high in comparison to solar
I am highly disappointed with the stand Dr. Kwabena Donkor, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy and Mines is trying to take in the grid connected solar energy. Is he aware that our ability to convert suns ...
read full comment
It's a pity Marcus is so ignorant. Solar accounts for 4.5% of total generation in Germany. Marcus should stop deceiving the public. Coal accounts for more than 57% of electricity generation in Germany.
Ghana's peak load is i ...
read full comment
I AGREE 100% WITH MARCUS AMPADU'S PRACTICAL AND INSIGHTFUL EXPLANATION. YOU KNOW WHAT? I USE SOLAR ENERGY AND MY STORAGE CELLS SAVE ENOUGH ELECTRICITY IN THE DAY SO MUCH THAT I SUPPLY TEN-YES TEN HOMES TROUGHOUT THE NIGHT.DO ...
read full comment
Solar energy is the most expensive form of providing electricity. Hence the need for feed in tariff. If solar is the most cost effective form of electricity in Ghana, why the low adoption rate? Why is the German residency and ...
read full comment
An ignoramus I am not; that is why I refuse to hide behind bogus appellation like Sakamosta's.
The anti-solar forces in Ghana can check the 148MW Andasol solar energy park in Spain that produces electricity 24 hours!
Wake up Ghanaian experts.
Government is right in promoting renewables. Wake up and let's use the rub ...
read full comment
Interesting points, but the main sector being ignore is the private sector, where estate developers could be incentivised through taxation to incorporate solar. This will limit the domestic demand. Only then can the focus be ...
read full comment
There is a systematic attempt to prevent the development of solar energy in Ghana by men such as Kwabena Donkor. Look, as argued by Joe, if the estate developers take to solar and say 1.6 million homes in the upper class are ...
read full comment
Can I be educated? Do we have examples of solar-sourced energy running the heavy turbines of big industry? If yes, let us go for solar! If nein, then let us consider it as a mere back-up source and possibly for low requiremen ...
read full comment
Given that grid power is often cut, many businesses where constant power is essential run diesel generators. For such a business, putting solar power on the business roof is attractive as it allows reduced consumption of expe ...
read full comment
My question to those advocating the use of coal is, what do we do with the associated pollution that comes out of coal burning which has been identified as a major contributor to Global warming. Just checking.
Good question Sakamosta did not bother to answer.
Dr. Kwabena Donkor need to learn more and must be shame for himself. Thank you Marcus and co.
Thanks to all of you for contributing to the discussion in favour of solar energy -
Ancient Man, Kwaku Boateng Jnr., Michigan, and K barffuor dusseldorf.
I honestly wish we could join together to form our own solar and wi ...
read full comment
Rest assured, not one of the planned solar projects will find financing. The low levels of long term guarantees for the feed-in tariffs combined with the dire state of the Ghana Cedi will automatically prevent any internation ...
read full comment
The planned SADA 40MW has the resources. The same goes for the Chinese one, located to the south of Tamale near Buipe. And the 25MW that a Spanish/Ghanaian company known as Conexia is planning to construct 45kms to the nort ...
read full comment
Please watch this UNDP video guys -
Just go to Action4energy.org
I challenge Sakamosta to watch this UNDP video, and then we can discuss who is ignorant.
Just show one only one country that has been able to increase energy access based on grid connected solar power.
Pls don't get me wrong. Solar has an important role to play particularly on off grid locations. NOT FOR UTILITY ...
read full comment
Spain through the Andasol solar energy project, Britain through several projects, Chile through its 24 hour solar plant in the north. And, I dare add Ghana through the 2.5 MW VRA solar farm in Navrongo.
Get involve and stop ...
read full comment
In Ghana, generation is mostly from Hydro power, so there is substantial energy storage already in the market from hydro-electric dams. This being the case, any power produced by solar on grid is useful even if it does not pr ...
read full comment
Wind farms will be better than solar and nuclear energy. The Kwahu-Akwapim ridge, coastal plains of Ghana, and the Mampong hills are very windy, and they will all be good locations to strart wind farms to install wind turbine ...
read full comment
You need to look at the full life cycle cost.
Equipment, the fuel, operation and maintenance and disposal.
The fuel cost of a solar plant is zero as sunlight is free and the maintenance is just a case of cleaning dust from ...
read full comment