Accelerating energy transitions in developing countries: A case study of Ghana's electricity generation sector

Abstract

The target of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for the world governments, is to ensure the global mean temperature is kept below 2 °C relative to pre-industrial levels in the twenty-first century (UNFCCC, 2016). Climate change has been topical in recent years due to the ever-increasing effects that are being witnessed around the globe. There is the need to achieve net-zero carbon emissions to mitigate climate change. Fossil fuels whose combustion is generally accepted as the major source of greenhouse gas emissions and supply over 87% of the energy used worldwide, is the leading energy source in Ghana’s energy generation mix. With an ever increase in population, the desire to reach 100% electricity penetration and increased industrialisation, the demand for electricity will increase. Therefore, there is the need to reduce carbon emissions in the electricity generation sector, while the country continues to add to its electricity generation capacity. The main research question was "How can energy transition be accelerated in the electricity generation sector towards net-zero carbon emissions in Ghana?". The aim of the research is to examine the decarbonisation of Ghana's electricity generation sector through the lens of multi-level perspective. The research examined literature on socio-technical transitions, explored sustainable frameworks and the role a community plays in shaping technological systems and innovations. The research took an interpretivist approach using data gathered from key stakeholders through interviews and workshop followed by thematic analysis which was used to identify, analyse, and report patterns (themes) within the data to explore respondents’ experiences, views, and behaviours. The key findings identified in the research were the quest for energy security and reliability; policy incoherence among Ghana’s two major political parties, inadequate funding resources, low media advocacy on climate change and environmental issues. Energy Transition is seen by some as a weapon against developing countries’ economic growth, and the projected global mean temperature of 2oC is seen by some as a myth. In conclusion a number of mechanisms were recommended which could accelerate energy transition in the electricity generation sector such as a national transition plan which is in sync with regional or sub-regional energy transition plans; an oversite committee to coordinate, supervise the implementation of the plan; dedicated funding sources and improved economic indices; enriched political transition and local capacity development. A short-to-long-term roadmap was developed towards net zero. Considering the challenges identified, achieving a net zero carbon emission by 2050 as projected by the European Union for member countries and the United Kingdom, will not be plausible for a developing country like Ghana