Unlocking Energy from Waste: A Comprehensive Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Recovery Potential in Ghana

Abdul-Wahab Tahiru; Samuel Jerry Cobbina; Wilhemina Asare; Silas Uwumborge Takal

doi:10.3390/world5020011

journal article Open Access Apr 01, 2024

Unlocking Energy from Waste: A Comprehensive Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Recovery Potential in Ghana

Abdul-Wahab Tahiru

Samuel Jerry Cobbina Wilhemina Asare Silas Uwumborge Takal

World Vol. 5 No. 2 pp. 192-218 · MDPI AG

View at Publisher Save 10.3390/world5020011

Abstract

Ghana is currently facing a waste crisis that presents considerable risks to its environment, economy, and public health. This investigation evaluates four prospective waste-to-energy options—namely, incineration, anaerobic digestion, gasification, and landfill gas—with the objective of mapping out a sustainable strategy for efficient waste management. Among these solutions, anaerobic digestion stands out as a superior option, offering renewable energy production, valuable bio-product creation, and a comparatively lower greenhouse gas emission effect. A cost analysis further reveals that utilizing biogas from anaerobic digestion is not only environmentally friendly but also economically more viable than relying on light crude oil. Producing 200 MW of energy using biogas costs 36% less, potentially resulting in monthly savings of USD 5.46 million for Ghana. However, several obstacles impede the development of WtE. Inaccurate waste data and a lack of clear policies on waste-to-energy hinder the harnessing of Ghana’s WtE potential. To address this, the study recommends (1) implementing a well-defined national strategy complete with regulations and incentives to attract investments and (2) conducting specialized research to optimize WtE technologies for Ghana’s unique waste composition and context. By surmounting these challenges, Ghana stands poised to secure a sustainable future, simultaneously meeting the targets of Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 11. This entails ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all (SDG 7) and fostering inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements (SDG 11).

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Details

Published: Apr 01, 2024
Vol/Issue: 5(2)
Pages: 192-218
License: View

Authors

A

Abdul-Wahab Tahiru

Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1350, Ghana

S

Samuel Jerry Cobbina

Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1350, Ghana; West African Centre for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA) Tamale, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala P.O. Box TL 1882, Ghana

W

Wilhemina Asare

Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1350, Ghana

S

Silas Uwumborge Takal

Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1350, Ghana

Cite This Article

Abdul-Wahab Tahiru, Samuel Jerry Cobbina, Wilhemina Asare, et al. (2024). Unlocking Energy from Waste: A Comprehensive Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Recovery Potential in Ghana. World, 5(2), 192-218. https://doi.org/10.3390/world5020011

Unlocking Energy from Waste: A Comprehensive Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Recovery Potential in Ghana

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