Climate Change and Energy Transition

Our Thematics Areas

Climate Change and Energy Transition

ACEP recognises climate change as a global challenge that requires the collaborative efforts of all countries in tackling its potential impact. ACEP’s programs contribute more to Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13.

On energy transition, the dilemma for many African countries, particularly oil and gas producing countries is the need to balance the production of carbon emitting fuels and commitment to low carbon emission. ACEP’s work seeks to generate research evidence on actions that could be explored by governments, corporate entities and citizens to sustain responsiveness to climate action by African countries.

In Africa, about 90 percent of wood consumed is used for wood fuel and charcoal production. Wood fuels contribute about 2.4 GtCO₂e of greenhouse gasses. ACEP’s focus for the strategic period will be on promoting the reduction of wood fuel and charcoal consumption through the use of clean cooking fuels.

1. Solar Powered Irrigation project

ACEP has developed a demonstration project that utilizes solar energy to power an irrigation farming project in the Northern Region of Ghana. The project enables farmers in the poor areas who usually sit idle in the dry season for about six (6) months, to be gainfully employed all year round. The project, apart from contributing to food security, also aid in saving the environment. This is because, the practice of felling trees to produce charcoal and firewood which was the main activity in the dry season has been reduced in view of the fact that farmers now have access to irrigation facility which helps them farm throughout the year.

2. Promoting Renewable Energy

ACEP has produced a research work which highlights opportunities for investment in Renewable Energy in Ghana. The report contributes to RE adaptation and penetration in the country. The Centre continues to engage the Ministry of Energy and other key players in the space including private sector, to adopt policies and approaches which promote RE in Ghana.

3. Tracking Fuel Quality

ACEP has been monitoring fuel quality and conducting advocacy for policy for clean and safe fuel that meets international standards in the Ghanaian market. It is generally reported that Ghana is the first West African Country to move to low sulfur diesel and with a new sulfur content standard of 50 Parts per million (ppm), down from 3,000 ppm. While this is impressive, the infiltration of dirty fuel and smuggling of fuel in Ghana remains a challenge which ACEP has been tracking and engaging stakeholders to address these challenges. This advocacy includes tracking government’s policies and targets on fuel quality and efficiency of institutions in delivering their mandate to achieve the fuel quality targets.

Our Thematics Areas