What factors influence the adoption of biogas technology as a renewable energy source in Ghana?

B.Ed. Thaddeus Tawiah Bilson, BA

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Energy is regarded as the most important aspect of socioeconomic development and has a direct impact on the overall progress of a nation. The bulk of energy supply in Ghana is met from wood fuels, that is, firewood and charcoal. Wood fuels account for approximately 71.1% of the total primary energy supply and approximately 60% of the final energy demand. In 2008, wood fuel contributed about 72% of the primary energy supply to the country, with crude oil and hydro making up the rest. Interest in biogas technology in Ghana began in the late 1960s, but it was not until the mid-1980s that biogas technology received the needed attention from the government. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing the adoption of biogas as a renewable energy source in the Central Region of Ghana. The study adopted the mixed method. Both descriptive and analytical methods were used in the study. Using questionnaires and an interview guide, field data was collected from hundred (100) individuals and two (2) senior officers from each of these 5 institutions (energy and environmental sector) in the Central Region of Ghana. The data from the respondents were analysed using the logit regression model. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), content analysis, and thematic narratives were used to analyse the data. The study found out that several factors influence people to use biogas. These include: cost of biogas, environment friendly nature, recommendations from people, etc. It was also found out that Ghana produces 10.29 % renewable energy while consuming 8.79% megawatts annually. A myriad of factors influence the adoption of biogas technology in Ghana. The study highlights the affordability and environmental benefits of biogas, emphasizing the importance of public education and international cooperation for renewable energy adoption. It suggests that the United Nations and African Union collaborate to promote renewable energy as a global public good, advocating for reduced barriers to knowledge sharing and technology transfer to ensure accessibility for all.

Keywords

renewable energy, organic waste, anaerobic digestion, environment, wood fuel

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 28. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Hynek Roubík, Ph.D.
• Reader: Tatiana Nevzorova, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme:
Tropical Farming Systems