POWER UP, LET’S GO

By Dora Addy

In Ghana, electrical power is the new gold, and let’s be honest; Ghanaians have been overly-outspoken about the energy crisis. Most people have gone beyond the acceptable standards of public discourse on the topic of ‘Dumsor’, which has been staying with us for some time now.

While many others have taken this national situation as opportunity to fish on troubled waters, ‘Dumsor will always be an issue that will dominate the airwaves, as long as it remains unresolved. But a problem only becomes insurmountable when other ways of overcoming the problem are not duly considered.

We cannot deny that ‘Dumsor’ will become an unwelcome citizen, a part of Ghanaian life, if we fail to intelligently tackle the challenge through intelligent and workable solutions.

Consider the large amounts of debts owed by government as it attempts to secure electricity from neighboring Ivory Coast, and gas from Nigeria.

It is also true that, even state entities as Volta River Authority (VRA), and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), are heavily indebted, adding to the difficulties of finding a lasting solution to ‘Dumsor’. Sadly, some rogues have also resorted to stealing and busily tampering with the gas pipelines at some locations.

Anyone could easily agree that power sources have not been adequately considered and tapped in Ghana, and that, hydroelectric power has always been the dominant power source, which is now also suffering from exhaustion.

As Ghana builds up her socio-economic gains, carbon dioxide produced during industrial and economic activities will remain until one hundred years, according to research. Consequently, global warming stems in. But to make human life easier, it is strongly recommended that conventional energy sources be replaced with alternatives.

With the emergence and application of useful technology, Ghana can safely place her people on a path of development when we adopt alternative energy use.

THE POWER OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Alternative energy is energy generated in ways that do not use up the earth’s natural resources, or harm the environment, because it avoids the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power.

Alternative energy use is not a means to subvert other conventional means of energy sources, but resting on the belief these renewable sources of energy bring no unwanted effects, and have low to no environmental impact on the city, provide good grounds for consideration.

Seth Terkper, Interim Minister of Power Ministry

These sources of power are considered clean and safe, when measuring the death and health hazard records as a result of air and water pollution from coal and natural gas plant use.

Alternative energy means clean and sustainable energy. Industries will flourish while human life and environmental security is strongly considered.

Ghana should strongly shift to alternative energy because it represents stable power supply, which would also bring about positive economic production in our industries.

Our country should strongly consider some of these sources of alternative energy mentioned.

SOLAR ENERGY

There is 10,000 times as much energy from the sun as the world needs; more solar energy reaches the earth in an hour than the earth consumes in a year.

Owing to the current energy crunch, city authorities have introduced solar panels; the idea of solar power is selling. Seemingly people would rather opt for conventional power backups as generators. Solar panels are a far safer means of producing electricity harmlessly and without noise. What is more, solar panels last longer and can bring in long term positive results financially, when well maintained. Solar panels give the added advantage of providing heat and hot water in homes.

Solar power would also serve a useful purpose in industrial areas. Instances where hydroelectric power falls short due to rationing of power, productivity needs not halt. Through the use of Solar Photo Voltaic cells for solar panels transforms the sun’s energy to electricity.

Although most industries resort to power plants during power outages, the vast source of the sun’s heat would make amends during events of power interruption. During off days for building and construction sites, the sun’s renewable resources would easily accumulate enough energy for electricity. Solar energy could fit equally well in place of hydro power.

Although a single unit of solar panel can cost up to thousands of cedis, it is nonetheless useful because,

• Solar energy does not emit gases nor does it make noise. Rather, solar panels quietly transform the sun’s heat to energy
•  Solar energy has the capacity to harness electricity in remote locations that are not linked to a national network. A prime example of this is in space, where satellites are powered by high efficiency solar cells.
• The installation of solar panels in remote locations is usually much more cost effective than laying the required high voltage wires.
• Solar energy can be very efficient in a large area of the globe, and new technologies allow for a more efficient energy production on overcast/dull days.
• Solar energy is very cost effective. Panels may be expensive, but once installed, they provide a free source of electricity, which will pay off over the coming years.

WIND POWER

Wind is considered the cleanest and most renewable source of energy. In UK, where it is considered to be the windiest in Europe, wind energy is the fastest growing source of renewable energy.

The country’s arable lands are quickly fading away, but hope is still in sight for wind farms. Combining wind power to hydroelectric and solar energy would reap maximum benefits for industrial areas. Where the sun fails to give light and hydro dams fail, wind power is always a good standby for production to roll.

Wind energy is generally environmentally friendly.

• Wind turbines take up less space than local power stations. Windmills only occupy a few square meters for the base, and allow the land around the turbine to be used for any intended purpose as farming.
• Wind turbines are a great resource to generate energy in remote locations, as mountain communities and the remote countryside and come in a range of different sizes in order to support varying population levels.
• Also, when combined with solar electricity, this energy source is great for developed and developing countries to provide a steady, reliable supply of electricity.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY- POWER FROM THE CORE

The heat from the earth is renewable and can generate electricity. Our country’s climate is very favorable to attract geothermal energy. The use of geothermal heat pumps can tap into this resource to heat and cool buildings in the city. A geothermal heat pump system consists of a heat pump, an air delivery system (ductwork), and a heat exchanger-a system of pipes buried in the shallow ground

Ghana should also consider this source because

• It has limitless use; heat will always be found beneath the earth’s surface, and so power supply will always be made available
• Its use is without any carbon dioxide gas. This means no emission and clean environment
• This energy source is abundant in most places. It is not difficult to come by.

A HOPEFUL ROUTE

Ghana needs to consider some of the economic and legal framework in relation to renewable energy, with the rest of the world. As nations boldly take steps to address environmental and other energy challenges, it is advisable that we learn from what most developed nations have done.

Authorities should properly educate the masses and boldly tackle the energy crisis by means of introducing these alternative sources of energy.

Ghana needs a strong stand on resolving the energy crisis and should not dither to initiate these alternative source measures. We are a nation on the go. Alternative energy sources are abundant, let’s power up and go.