Ghana: oil giant Total on track to lead in renewables

Total Petroleum Ghana Ltd., a locally listed oil marketing company, has opened its third solar-powered station in Ghana as part of its commitment to develop solar energy through cutting-edge technology in the West African nation.

The new solar-powered station has 50 solar panel installation with about 16.35 kWp of power production.

Speaking about the project, Managing Director, Eric Fanchini, said that the installation of the solar system is expected to contribute to the reduction of carbon footprints.

Total Petroleum Ghana, which was adjudged Brand of the Year in Ghana for the year 2017, started the wave of renewable energy in 2015 with the introduction of 100% solar lamps, available at all Total service station shops nationwide.

The company has a retail network of 251 service stations across the country.

Ghana is looking to diversify its power resources, as its current reliance on hydropower makes it particularly vulnerable to droughts. As part of the renewable energy targets, the president last year, pledged to increase the contribution of solar energy to the country’s energy mix from the current 22.5MW to 250 MW in the next 12 years.

Despite an abundance of sunshine in Ghana, with many parts of the country enjoying high levels of solar irradiation (5.524 kwh/m2/day), all year round, solar energy only contributes 1% to the energy mix, as opposed to 59% from fossil fuels, and 40% from hydro.