Sector Report. Business Opportunities for Renewable Energy in Ghana. April, 2015

Transcription

1 Sector Report Business Opportunities for Renewable Energy in Ghana April, 2015

2 Colophon Sector Report on Business Opportunities for Renewable Energy in Ghana Composed for : Contact : Telephone: Embassy of The Kingdom of The Netherlands. Gladys Ofei Economic Section; ACC-EA@minbuza.nl T: F: E: gladys.ofei@minbuza.nl w. With cooperation from Fred Smiet, Marnix Segers Date April 2015 Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) is a department of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs that implements government policy for sustainability, innovation, and international business and cooperation. It is the contact point for businesses, educational institutions and government bodies for information and advice, financing, networking and regulatory matters. Corporate Social Responsibility The Dutch government supports CSR in international business and expects companies to operate according to the Guidelines of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), see also More information on CSR and international business can be found on ondernemen/mvo (in Dutch) RVO.nl Although information provided by RVO.nl is based on reliable data, RVO.nl can not accept any liability for its accuracy. 2

3 Table of Contents 1.0 Summary 2.0 General Information: overview of relevant government plans and Business Climate 3.0 Country Energy Situation 3.1 Overview 3.2 Renewable Energy Market 3.3 Policy Framework for renewable energy Policies and Strategies for Renewable Energy Promotion Main actors The Regulatory Framework 3.4 Potential of Renewable Energy Sources Biomass/Biogas Solar energy Wind Power Hydro Power: small and large 4.0 Market Risks and Opportunities 4.1 Investment opportunities in Renewable Energy 4.2 Energy efficiency and demand-side management 5.0 Relevant Contacts and References 3

4 1.0 Summary The government has also created a very conducive environment for business by putting the follow in place; Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, which is a one stop shop for all investment enquiries and assistance Tax exemptions on educational materials Tax holidays Setting up of Ghana free zones board If you have any specific questions or need more information on any of the areas mentioned and their prospects kindly contact the Netherlands Embassy in Ghana or the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). An enabling policy environment and higher electricity/gas tariffs provide increasing opportunities for investments in renewable energy. Moreover, if designed well, such investments could benefit from subsidies provided by donors and/or climate financing through the voluntary market. Opportunities for investment and trade relate to hardware and software; consultancy, advisory services, project development, import, manufacturing, distribution, sales. The market exists, is growing and there is plenty of scope for new players. When it comes to the Renewable Energy industry, yes Ghana is ready for business! 4

5 2.0 General Information: overview of relevant government plans and Business Climate Ghana s economic growth remained strong over the last decades. Ghana s growth is led by its political stability, its relatively liberal economic policies and rising primary commodity prices. Yet, the economic growth of the most recent years is more moderate. This economic success has been noticed by Dutch companies. The opportunities in the Ghanaian and regional market continue to attract trade and investment from The Netherlands. Trade and investment promotion are the core activities of this embassy. The West African region has strong growth figures and is seen by many Dutch companies as an interesting emerging market. Ghana is an attractive vantage point for international businesses with ambitions to expand in West Africa. Accra is a preferred hub for companies as it offers security, stability, adequate education and health facilities, an internationally trained work force at the academic level, and convenient flight connections to the major destinations in the region. Economic growth alone is not enough to lead Ghana to sustained higher levels of development. The government needs to transform its services, to manage the increasing complexities of a fast growing economy. The Ghanaian economy has grown steadily over the last ten years, in part due to high prices in primary commodities such as cocoa, timber and gold and since 2011 oil. The pace of growth in the Ghanaian economy moderated in 2012 reaching 8% compared to 15% in This trend continued, resulting in 7.3% in 2013, a 5% growth in 2014 and an estimated 3.7% in In order to counter this decreasing economic growth, the Government of Ghana will need to speed up reforms, including measures to budget more realistically and broaden its tax base by including the informal economy, which forms a large share of economic activities, in order to increase revenues. Projections for the next 5 to 10 years are rather positive; most probably Ghana will continue to grow as the main drivers underlying growth are likely to improve. However, the Ghanaian government needs to show its ability to tackle the countries energy issues and rising inflation. We expect that The Netherlands will remain among Ghana s first export destinations and that exports to Ghana from the Netherlands will continue to grow as fast as in recent years, with steadily increasing direct investments form the Dutch private sector in Ghana as well. The Netherlands is already among the top investors in Ghana. 5

6 3.0 Country Energy Situation 3.1 Overview Energy is daily in the news in Ghana and it has been in the headlines for many years. As the economy has been growing in the last decennia, demand for energy has increased rapidly. The current electricity generation level is simply too low to supply the whole country reliably. Industries need adequate energy levels to facilitate the production of goods and services; household consumers demand a reliable power supply without load shedding. An electricity crisis is perceived at present, has been experienced in the last years and will likely persist a few more years. Some power plants are under construction, others are in the planning stage, but, given the rapidly rising demand, it is unlikely that consumers can expect a reliable supply in the near future. Ghana s Vision 2020 comprises the National Electrification Scheme (NES) targeting 100 % electrification by the year 2020 (as opposed to presently 54 %). This forces policy makers to not only plan for expansion of generation capacity, but also to promote alternative energy sources for an overall and balanced growth of the energy sector, based on a mix of sources, including renewables. The Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) was established in 1994 to adopt and implement an investor friendly set of rules and regulations to boost private sector investments. With the introduction of macroeconomic and sectoral reforms in recent years, overall government policies and institutions now form a conducive environment for private sector involvement, including those interested in the renewable energy sector. The main government objectives for the energy sector are to develop Ghana s oil and gas reserves for domestic use (including for electricity generation) and for export, and to provide grid access for the whole population as soon as generation capacity allows. The GoG target for electricity generation capacity is an optimistic 5000 MW by 2016 (up from around 2400 MW at present). At the same time GoG seeks to reduce the huge subsidies on fuel and electricity that now characterize the power sector. Until 1998, the supply of electricity in Ghana was mainly from hydropower sources (the Akosombo Dam was constructed in 1966). Since then about 1,000 MW thermal generation capacity has been added. Currently, the installed generation capacity is 2,412 MW, made up of about 50% hydro and 50% thermal (from fossil fuels). The installed generating capacity includes 1,180MW of hydropower generation (Akosombo, Bui and Kpong plants), 330MW from Takoradi Power Company (TAPCO), 220MW from Takoradi International Company (TICO), 200MW from SunonAsogli, 80MW diesel plant from Tema and 110 and 49.5 from Tema Thermal 1 Power Plant and Tema Thermal 2 Power Plant respectively. The CENIT Power Plant adds a further 126 MW. The Dutch bank FMO is involved in the financing expansion of the plants in Takoradi and Tema. The electricity sector is basically run by four utilities: the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) 1, Ghana Grid Company Limited and Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG). These utilities are financially in dire straits and continue to depend on government subsidies. Institutional reform processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs are underway for these utilities, led by the 1 NEDCo is a subsidiary of VRA and is responsible for the distribution of power in the northern two-thirds of Ghana, accounting for only 10% of the national total sales of electricity 6

7 Worldbank. Recently a new utility was formed to run the new Bui hydropower plant (Bui Power Authority). Ghana s power generation trend has been erratic, influenced by rainfall conditions, mishaps and delays in construction of new plants and pipelines. For example, the accident with the West African Gas Pipeline disrupted normal gas supply to power plants in Ghana for more than a year. Presently, generation increase cannot keep up with increase in demand, which is now estimated at 2500MW. As a consequence, load shedding is frequent throughout the country, in particular affecting small towns and rural areas. Given the large dependency on Akosombo dam, production is vulnerable to low levels of rainfall in the Volta catchment. The main consumers of electricity are households, industry, educational institutions and health facilities. A very big consumer is the VALCO aluminum company, using 6% of the nation s electricity. Despite shortfalls and bound to contracts, Ghana also exports electricity to neighboring countries such as Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso. 3.2 Renewable Energy Market Renewable energy in Ghana concerns biomass (as long as it originates from plantations), biogas and electricity generated from renewable sources (hydropower, solar, wind). All energy related to oil and gas from fossil resources is excluded from this paper. As a consequence the business opportunities that are identified in this paper relate to clean technology. The current Dutch involvement in renewable energy initiatives in Ghana is limited: Philips PPP 2, GIZ/ENDEV and PSI. Biomass The bulk of Ghana s energy is provided by biomass (in the form of fuelwood and charcoal) accounting for about 59 % of the total energy consumption. Charcoal is the preferred source of cooking energy in rural areas and in low-income urban areas, where as much as 82 % still use kerosene, candles, charcoal and fuelwood as the main sources of energy. Everywhere in Ghana, but especially in the middle and the north, charcoal is produced and traded over long distances. Although huge in scope and well organized, this trade (and its actors in the value chain such as farmers, charcoal burners, transporters and traders) is mainly informal, largely illegal, unregulated, has led to rapid deforestation in the last few decades and is far from sustainable. In order to make the use of biomass sustainable large scale treeplanting must be undertaken as well as better implementation of laws and policies. Introduction of bottled gas (LPG) has been attempted as an alternative cooking energy, but has sofar been unsuccessful. The market for biomass interventions lies in all steps in the value chain from producer to consumer where improvements can be introduced. Consumers mainly reside in poor rural and urban areas all over the country. Biogas Presently biogas is hardly tapped as a source of energy, apart from a few smallscale applications. The market for biogas installations can be found mainly in smallscale applications for institutions (prisons, hotels, schools), selected industries and communities where biogas can be used for cooking. The use of biogas for electricity generation for off-grid solutions could be another option and is currently explored. Electricity 2 This concerns the SESA programme, a PPP for different countries; in Ghana Philips will develop business models for the introduction of clean cooking stoves and the sale of sustainably produced biomass (DGIS contribution for Ghana EUR 110,000). 7

8 Other than from hydro, electricity production from renewable sources is not yet well developed. In order to arrive at a future balanced mix of energy sources, the Government has established a target of 10% of power generation coming from renewable sources (which include small hydro plants) by Although some small installations are operational, both solar and wind technology is in early stages of development, and is expected to require significant incentives over conventional generation to be financially viable. Positive is that policies and regulations for Renewable Energy (RE) investments are in place and that government is in the process of reducing subsidies for electricity consumption, by raising tariffs. Although bad for consumers, high electricity tariffs will boost private investments in power generation. 3.3 Policy Framework for renewable energy Policies and Strategies for Renewable Energy Promotion The Government s objective is to create an enabling environment for private investments in renewable energy (RE) projects. Distinction is made between the Regulated Market which allows private parties to initiate and develop RE projects as Independent Power Producers and utility-led project development. The most active utility in this field is VRA. GoG has stated that it wants to achieve 10% renewable energy in the generation mix by RE legislation in Ghana is ruled by the Energy Commission Act of 1997, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act and Renewable Energy Act. The Renewable Energy Division of the Energy Commission is responsible for developing policies and strategies, including the Renewable Energy Act that covers all RE technologies including wind, solar, hydro, waste-to-energy and biomass Main actors Apart from the utilities the main actors are the Ministry of Energy, which oversees the National Gas Company and the National Petroleum Company. These institutions deal predominantly with energy from non-renewable resources like oil and gas. In addition Regulatory Agencies are important for renewable energy: - The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) was established to regulate and oversee the provision of utility services by the public sector to consumers and related matters. It has the mandate to set tariffs for consumers and producers (Feed-in Tariffs for delivery of electricity to the grid) and to balance the interests of producers and consumers alike. - The Energy Commission (EC) was established to regulate and administrate the utilization of energy resources in Ghana. EC is responsible, inter alia, for the involvement of the private sector and to prepare and update national energy plans. The EC is the final statutory body required to issue licenses for RE business in Ghana. - Other regulatory institutions involved in the RE industry are the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ghana Standards Board, which respectively issue environmental permits and certification for equipment for importation and distribution in Ghana. Specific ventures such as municipal waste-to-energy, however, also require approval from the local regulatory bodies such as the Accra Metropolitan Authority and Kumasi Metropolitan Authority mandated to supervise waste management The Regulatory Framework Specific incentives are available for investments in the RE sector: - exemption from import duty on RE equipment 8

9 - development of codes and standards for solar, wind and bio- energy systems - regulations and procedures exist to ensure that all RE service providers are provided with licenses/permits and Power Purchase Agreements - clear Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) for energy generated by renewable sources and Independent Power Producers have been published recently. 3.4 Potential of Renewable Energy Sources Biomass/Biogas Although still in its infancy, biogas from organic and municipal (solid and liquid) waste is gaining popularity in Ghana. There are a few companies that install biogas digesters for utilizing the methane for domestic and institutional use. Biofuels have not yet gained popularity as an alternative source of fuel for automobiles and industrial engines compared to conventional diesel. In the past, the Government has promoted biodiesel from the Jatropha plant with the result that many farmers opted for Jatropha instead of growing cassava and maize. This, however, proved to affect food security and farmer s income negatively and was subsequently abandoned. There are still a few entrepreneurs who believe that biodiesel could be profitable but lack the support to produce commercial quantities. There is no doubt that efficient use of biomass-based energy/biogas such as charcoal, agricultural waste, landfills and municipal waste as well as biodiesel from appropriate organic materials could benefit the country as a whole, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Fuelwood accounts for 85 % of primary energy used in Ghanaian homes and provides income and employment (charcoal producers, transporters and retailers) for many rural communities. In 2011 average annual wood production was about 30 million tons. The potential woodfuel supply is estimated at 18 million tons per annum. The rate of deforestation in Ghana is 135,000 hectares per year (equaling 2.19% % of the overall forest cover). To date deforestation continues unabated in the absence of large scale reforestation efforts. Charcoal is produced in inefficient ways by the informal sector and continues to contribute to deforestation. There is a great potential to use organic waste material for sustainable charcoal production in the large palm oil extraction factories. These factories use part of the waste to power their operations, but a large part remains unused. This waste presents investors with joint venture opportunities for more efficient production methods in biomass energy production. Aiming to reduce deforestation, some NGO s have introduced efficient biomass cooking stoves on the Ghanaian market as alternatives to traditional cooking stoves. These stoves reduce charcoal consumption for household and commercial cooking. However, the efficiency in the production and use of charcoal can still be improved with the potential for carbon emission reductions which could then be monetized on voluntary markets for carbon certificates under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The REDD+ instrument may potentially contribute funds to such programs as well. Finally, the use for electricity production of household- and municipal waste, now littering the streets, for energy would provide win-win situations by on the one hand providing a solution for the waste problem and on the other hand by providing much needed electricity Solar energy The solar resource is abundant in Ghana. The monthly average solar irradiation is between 4.4 and 5.6 kwh/m2/day, with sunshine duration of between 1,800 and 9

10 3,000 hours per annum. The absence of a feed-in tariff (FiT) has been a major barrier for on-grid solar electricity production, but has now been resolved. However, until recently, little was done to exploit this resource and the solar market is relatively untapped, both for photovoltaic (PV) systems as well as for Solar Water Heaters. VRA has built a small 2 MW solar PV grid-connected plant as a pilot project in the Upper East Region, which has been commissioned in January Four other sites in the north (Kaleo (near Wa), Lawra, Jirapa and Navrongo) have been identified with a potential 10MW. VRA is seeking concessionary funding to develop these sites. Canada s Siginik Energy Ltd has signed a 25 year MOU with ECG for a 50 MW ground-mounted PV project in the Northern region, near the Ivorian border. UK s Blue Energy has plans to develop a 155 MW solar plant in Western region. However, proposed development timeline and details for these projects are not clear at this stage. The prospects for grid-connected power generation have somewhat improved because of the recent decrease in the price of solar panels and the recent increase in electricity tariffs. Nevertheless, the prospects for any large scale on-grid solar electricity generation are distant as it is still more expensive than conventional power generation. Further, solar power does not provide reliable capacity without storage, which adds significantly to the investment costs. Rural solar power has considerable potential to serve households institutions and small industries in off-grid areas. Since many households anticipate getting power from the grid in the short term, however, there is a reluctance to invest in PV systems. The reality is that grid expansion is now much slower than previously planned because of inadequate electricity production, high costs of transmission and huge subsidies on every connection. A more cost-effective subsidy policy for rural electrification should include minigrids and household systems for customers who are not served by the grid in the short or medium term. This would reduce the strain on the power utilities finances, and also provide quick service to off-grid areas. It is likely that stand-alone solar equipment in rural areas is likely to be much cheaper than conventional rural electrification through the grid, which is heavily subsidized. The main solar technology applications on the Ghanaian market are rural solar home systems (especially lanterns and lighting), urban solar home systems (household appliances, lanterns), solar systems for schools and health centers, vaccine refrigeration, solar water heaters, solar water pumps, telecommunication, battery charging stations and solar streetlights. Currently a few suppliers serve this market, but potentially the market is huge and worthwhile to explore. An Indian company (Ecotech) is currently preparing an investment in an assembly plant for solar equipment for subsequent sale and distribution in Ghanaian and neighboring markets. The Ghanaian market for solar water heaters is currently small but is potentially huge. Larger units of solar water heaters are usually deployed in the hotel industry. The demand for small units of liter boilers is rising, with or without electric booster heater. If connected to the grid, the majority of households and institutions today use (expensive) electric water boilers. The increase in electricity tariffs will make solar solutions much more attractive Wind Power 10

11 Although studies by the Energy Commission have shown that there is enough potential to generate wind energy, it is already evident that wind power is not likely to become a major source of power in Ghana. The best wind resources are found primarily along narrow stretches of its eastern coastline and on the hill tops around the Volta lake and the border with Togo. Although along the coastline, the speeds (mostly between 5 and 7 m/s at 50m) are classified as marginal for wind generation, a dozen of hills offer good to excellent wind power potential Furthermore grid-connected wind power is likely to be cheaper than grid-connected solar power. At present, there are several projects in the planning phase, but investment decisions have not been taken yet. VRA intends to build a wind power plant as a joint venture with a foreign partner with wind farm experience. NEK, a Swiss company, has partnered with Accra-based Atlantic International Holding Co for developing a 50 MW project. China Wind Power is considering up to a 2x 50 MW project. Wind measurements will be undertaken at four coastal sites and four inland sites to determine feasibility. Provided that the wind speed proves to be adequate, these sites could be developed Hydro Power: small and large The Akosombo generating station (1,020 MW) and the Kpong Plant (160MW) are the only large hydro stations in operation. The aging plants seldom meet their optimal capacity because of frequent shutdowns for maintenance and rehabilitation. In addition, the 400MW Bui Hydroelectric Project has recently been commissioned. There are about thirteen other hydro sites that have been identified for small hydro projects with a potential for public private partnerships. Possible projects include Pwalugu (48 MW), Kulpawn (80 MW), Juale (87 MW), Daboya (44 MW), and Hemang (75 MW). Since none of these sites has a full feasibility available yet, and given the long lead time in constructing such plants, it is not expected any of them could produce power before

12 4.0 Market Risks and Opportunities 4.1 Investment opportunities in Renewable Energy With the policy and regulatory framework in place, the gap between energy production and demand provides good opportunities for investments in renewable energy. The recently published tariffs are deemed attractive for various business models regarding production and distribution of energy and trade in associated equipment. With the government aiming to reduce energy subsidies further, tariffs are expected to increase in the future. Opportunities are: - Solar water heaters and associated services; countrywide - PV equipment for small scale domestic applications in off-grid areas: lighting with roof panels, mobile phone chargers, lanterns - PV equipment for large scale applications in public places and institutions: MW for electricity generation (solar power plants, off-grid and on grid), street lanterns - small-scale hydropower (off-grid and on-grid) - waste to energy: plastic recycling for pellets or fuel; landfill methane capture, biogas for cooking or electricity generation - treeplanting for commercial charcoal production near urban centers (in combination with recreation/cocoa cultivation/agroforestry/watershed protection); efficient conversion of wood to charcoal - efficient cooking stoves using fuelwood and charcoal 4.2 Energy efficiency and demand-side management High energy prices will increasingly provide incentives for efficient use of energy. Although Ghana has recently instituted some energy efficiency policy measures, such as promotion of CFLs and LED lights, the efficiency agenda is currently not well developed in terms of policy, technology, marketing, equipment, neither for institutions, nor for industries and households. Ghana has only begun to scratch the surface of energy efficiency in the electricity and biomass sector. This awareness is certain to rise among government, utilities and consumers, which will lead to opportunities for energy saving and efficiency measures and equipment such as: - LED lighting systems to replace conventional lighting for public places, industries and households - energy-monitoring equipment and knowledge to reduce consumption by industry and institutions - review of (industrial) processes and introduction of energy efficient machinery - improved management of the grid (smart grid technologies; SCADA system) - prepaid meters 12

13 5.0 Relevant Contacts and References Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) T / Frans.kortekaas@rvo.nl Association of Ghana Industries Addison House Trade Fair Centre, La-Accra B: (233-21) , , M: (020) setha@agighana.org Ghana Chamber of Commerce & Industry 1st Floor World Trade Centre, Opp. Children's Park, National theatre-accra P. O. Box 2325, Accra Tel: 233 (0) Fax: 233 (0) info@ghanachamber.org Ghana Netherlands Chamber of Commerce 2A Silver Star Tower Airport City Accra Ghana Tel: +233 (0) Fax: +233 (0) Mob: +233 (0) E:info@ghannecc.com Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Badger, Emmanuel Bus: ebadger@gipc.com Mr. Badger will be able to advice on taxation, legal requirements etc Tel : /3 13

14 Relevant Business Contacts Persistent Energy Partners Persistent Energy is an investment company specializing in Clean Energy in sub- Saharan Africa. Their corporate goal is to provide energy for rural households and businesses. Therefore, the company offers only off-grid applications and focuses on the installation and operation of solar micro grids and other Systems in return for a fee. Persistent Energy Partners is composed of a team of five Investment professionals with experience in the Clean Energy Sector. The company supports innovative entrepreneurs that make use of renewable energy technologies. Albert Boateng 1A Silver Star Tower Airport City, Accra - Ghana Tel: Website Mp-tec solar Ghana Ltd The company is a subsidiary of the German mp-tec GmbH & Co. The company develops and installs solar systems like solar Water pumps, off-grid and on-grid systems, back-up systems and implementation of large-scale solar installations. In cooperation with the German DENA, the company has delivered solar pumps, solar panels and street lighting (with total value of EUR90,000) to the Polytechnic Accra. Allen Solomon 89 Guggisber Avenue P. O. Box KB 497 Korle-Bu, Accra Tel: Website Energiebau Sunergy Ghana Ltd In 2006, Energiebau Sunergy Ghana Ltd. was established as a joint venture with Energiebau Systems GmbH Cologne. Their focus is on the entire spectrum of solar energy as well as all aspects of project development and implementation. Energiebau has 14 FTE. The company installed the first solar grid-connected system on the premises of the Energy Commission of Ghana, at the KNUST campus and later on the Campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University in Kumasi (24kW) and the Energy Commission (4.25 kw). Currently the company has a 100 kw PV rooftop system installed on the Jiaan towers in Tema. Since the company was founded, around 580 kw grid-connected and off-grid Solar systems have been installed in Ghana and sub-saharan Africa. Mr. William Asante P.O. box 231, Aburi T: Website Deng Ltd The company was founded in 1988 and has 50 FTE. Deng has realized since its inception a number of solar projects. For a government project, they installed around 100 kw solar power in the Upper West and Brong Ahafo Region. Deng was 14

15 also commissioned by the Danish Development agency DANIDA for a solar street lighting project in rural areas. Kenneth K. Cornelius P.O BOX AN 19996, Accra, Ghana T: Website DAWIG Energy Solar Ltd The company has been active in the renewable energy sector since 2003 and has installed about 3000 kw solar energy. Founded in 2006, the company has 10 employees, including seven fixed Employees (electricians and engineers) as well as three part time (marketing and accounting). Currently, the company focusses on planning and design of solar thermal and PV systems and the Installation and maintenance of equipment for both on-grid and off-grid systems. DAWIG is currently conducting a pilot project for net metering on a 500 kw on-grid system in Takoradi. So far, around 250 kw Solar lights and solar thermal have been installed by the company. David Tukuru P.O. Box 3403 ACCRA T: NEK Ghana NEK Ghana Ltd Ltd was established in 2003 with the aim of promoting cost effective renewable energy projects across Ghana. They are specialists in wind energy technology and generally in renewable energy and act as energy consultants to organisations, investors and operators throughout the country. They are the combined venture of NEK Umwelttechnik AG of Swizterland and Atlantic International Holding Company of Ghana. Over the past years, they have made investments in ensuring the successful implementation of their first 50MW wind park at Prampram Odam House, C 875 A/3 Water Road,Kanda Highway Extension, Ridge / Asylum Down P. O. Box KA9116, Accra, Ghana T: Website Wilkins Engineering Ltd Wilkins Engineering was founded in 1993 and is a specialist company for Electrical services. The main focus is on the maintenance and installation of networks and equipment, rural electrification and solar energy. The company currently employs more than 500 employees, consisting of engineers, technicians and administrative staff. Wilkins realizes energy audits, as well as electro-technical work in home, industrial and commercial applications. Wilkins is also active in the expansion and maintenance of electricity networks. It plans and constructs low- and high-voltage cables, offers maintenance, and installs transformers. For the solar energy division, the company focuses on design and installation of PV systems for private households, health centers and government institutions. The company has around 3,000 solar home systems installed, and in 2012 about 5000 solar lanterns. Omane Frimpong (CEO) P.O. Box KA 9314, Accra - Ghana T: Website 15

16 Relevant references Hensley, M. H., Gu, S., Hagan, E. B., August A comprehensive review of biomass resources and biofuels potential in Ghana - Available at ScienceDirect Schoneveld, G. C., L. A. German, and E. Nutakor Land-based investments for rural development? A grounded analysis of the local impacts of biofuel feedstock plantations in Ghana. Ecology and Society 16(4): 10 16

17 This is a publication of: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) P.O. Box AC The Hague