Exploring Renewable Energy Policy, Market Dynamics, and Food Security in Ghana: A Systematic Review of Opportunities and Barriers
- Posted
- Server
- Preprints.org
- DOI
- 10.20944/preprints202604.1521.v1
Energy stands as an integral thread, intricately woven into the grand tapestry of a nation's progress, forming the very fabric of development. While extensive research has shed light on energy production and consumption in industrialized nations, there has been a noticeable dearth of focus on renewable energy research and development in the realm of developing countries. These nations, including Ghana, find themselves bound to fossil fuels, with scant regard for the inherent value of traditional fuels like biomass. Ghana, heavily depends on imported fossil fuels, which is not sustainable in the long run. The pollution caused by these fuels is a major concern, and their increasing cost hampers economic growth. However, there is a glimmer of hope as renewable energy sources are gaining prominence. Biomass, biofuel, wind, and solar energy are emerging as promising alternatives for the future. In this study, we embark on an exploratory study into these renewable energy sources, and how they are intricately entwined with policies, market dynamics, and the impact on food security. The government of Ghana has fostered a conducive environment for the renewable energy sector, epitomized by the establishment of the novel feed-in tariffs (FITs) program. Adept institutions have developed acts and legislations, exemplified by the visionary Renewable Energy Act (832) of 2011, paving a path for progress. The research showed that the use of renewable energy sources has increased gradually during the previous decades. However, limitations on exploitation remain owing to factors like high technology costs, little funding, and gaps in knowledge.