The Role of Solar Power in Enhancing Sustainable Energy in Electricity Generation Mix Across Ghana

Abstract

Sustainable energy is a key driver in the preservation of the environment and the development of Economies, and Society. Sustainable energy, solar power is one of them, is more concerned with how energy needs can be met today, and tomorrow for generations yet unborn. Energy supply from sustainable sources is significant for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) because of its clean and climate action. Therefore, the study examined a qualitative assessment of solar energy’s role in enhancing energy security, and environmental sustainability in the electricity generation mix in Ghana. The research uncovers some findings through a qualitative analysis of downloaded papers from the Energy Commission of Ghana and the Ministry of Energy to supplement peer-reviewed scholarly literature. The study revealed that solar energy installed and connected to the grid is 143.9 MW representing 3% of the electricity generation mix despite Ghana’s substantial solar energy potential. The 143.9 MW is insufficient to guarantee the country's energy security. Again, it was discovered that in response to the global call for a cohesive approach to tackle the challenges of climate change, developing more solar energy would offset the country from millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. This would save the environment and contribute favourably to Ghana's Nationally Determined Contribution in response to the Paris agreement in 2015. An effective solar energy master plan is needed for the massive development of solar energy because of the abundance of solar potential in Ghana.