@phdthesis{Ackom2005, author = {Ackom, Emmanuel Kofi}, title = {Technical \& economic viability analysis of renewable energy technologies in Ghana}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:co1-000000769}, school = {BTU Cottbus - Senftenberg}, year = {2005}, abstract = {Ghana is far from attaining energy security status. The energy mix in Ghana comprises; traditional biomass (66.7\%), crude oil/petroleum products (26.2\%), and electricity (7.1\%) mainly from large hydro plants. The existing energy insecurity dilemma, where demand for energy services is desperately needed for sustainable development leaves Ghana with no other option than to exploit its renewable energy resources. The study seeks to address three main research questions namely: (a) Are Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) technically and economically viable in Ghana?; (b) Can RE projects be self sustained in Ghana without continual external support?; (c) Can RETs be used as an engine for local development? Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in analyzing the issues raised. The four main RE resources identified in Ghana are biomass, solar, small hydro and wind energy. Detailed case study analysis for each resource was done for identification of technically and economically viable options. The study concludes with a strategy on the where, what, why and how to implement viable RE projects in Ghana and a 'best policy' recommendation for successful market diffusion of RETs. It proposes that RETs must be provided in forms that match the basic and economic self-reliance needs of the people and generated electricity should be tied directly to viable end-use activities.}, subject = {Ghana; Alternative Energiequelle; Renewable energy technology; Economic viability; Technical viability; Ghana}, language = {en} }