In line with the quest to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Ghanaian Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng’s efforts to turn waste challenges to profit received a boost on Monday with the signing of a five million euro grant facility with Germany to build a 400-kilowatt demonstration hybrid waste to energy plant.
This 48 months project will help to ensure the conversion of waste to energy in Kumasi and will be later extended to other parts of the country.
Apart from creating more than 50 jobs for Ghanaians, Professor Boateng also said that the project will also include the training of two post-doctorates, three doctorates, ten masters’ students and 20 academics professionals on hybrid bio-gas pyrolysis systems.
The minister further commented that, once completed, the project will deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The project will create opportunity for German Small Medium Enterprises to take advantage and extend their products and services in the area of waste to Ghana. Therefore, the project’s success will not only help Ghana to address her energy and sanitation challenges but also encourage replication of the project nationwide..
Federal Minister of Education and Research of the Federal Republic of Germany, Madam Karliczek stated that the 12,000 tons of waste generated in Ghana daily would be put to good use and would provide employment.
She assured Ghanaians that German Researchers had innovated solutions and would collaborate to ensure the success of the project and the potential of building ten more by 2040 on a large scale to generate between one to five megawatts.
The overall objective of the project, which fits into the country’s renewable energy plan imbedded in the 31 Nationally Determined Commitments, in response to the Lima Call for Action, is to develop waste into energy using hybrid solar PV, biogas and a pyrolysis plant.
The project will help advance Ghana’s drive towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, as a lead implementer and a country whose President is a co-chair of the SDGs advocates at the United Nations.
Source: Ghana.gov.gh