Power Generation from Municipal Solid Waste in Ghana

Barnor, Bernard; Ahunu, Linda; Adu, Robert Ohene

doi:10.2139/ssrn.3162558

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…However, reports argue that several studies undertaken on WtE favor biochemical processes due to the high portion of organics such as food waste in MSW with little emphasis on thermochemical treatments [18]. Furthermore, Barnor et al [19] reported that nearly 700 GWh of biogas is possible annually from municipal solid waste with a plant availability of 97%. Thus, about 1.5% of Ghana's total electricity demand represents savings of USD 5 million from MSW to electricity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste and Assessment of Its Potential for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Valorization

et al. 2022

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Reuse and recycling are preferred strategies in waste management to ensure the high position of waste resources in the waste management hierarchy. However, challenges are still pronounced in many developing countries, where disposal as a final solution is prevalent, particularly for municipal solid waste. On the other hand, refuse-derived fuel as a means of energy recovery provides a sustainable option for managing mixed, contaminated and residual municipal solid waste (MSW). This study provides one of the earliest assessments of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from MSW in Ghana through a case study in the cities of Accra and Kumasi. The residual/reject fractions (RFs) of MSW material recovery were characterized for thermochemical energy purposes. The studied materials had the potential to be used as RDF. The combustible portions from the residual fractions formed good alternative fuel, RDF, under the class I, II-III classification of the EN 15359:2011 standards. The RDF from only combustible mixed materials such as plastics, paper and wood recorded a significant increase in the lower heating value (28.66–30.24 MJ/kg) to the mass RF, with the presence of organics (19.73 to 23.75 MJ/kg). The chlorine and heavy metal content met the limits set by various standards. An annual RDF production of 12 to 57 kilotons is possible from the two cities. This can offset 10–30% of the present industrial coal consumption, to about 180 kiloton/yr CO2 eq emissions and a net cost saving of USD 8.7 million per year. The market for RDF as an industrial alternative fuel is developing in Ghana and similar jurisdictions in this context. Therefore, this study provides insights into the potential for RDF in integrated waste management system implementation for socioeconomic and environmental benefits. This supports efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a circular economy.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste and Assessment of Its Potential for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Valorization

et al. 2022

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“…Additionally, ref. [93] highlighted the anaerobic digestion of MSW in Ghana, indicating an energy potential of 2.41 MW. Food waste in Kumasi, as per [34], demonstrated an energy potential of 775.3 l/kgVS through anaerobic digestion.…”

Section: Energy Potential From Municipal Solid Waste In Ghanamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…• Daily Biogas Production: We assume a daily biogas production rate of 1,226,805 cubic meters (m 3 ) based on [93].…”

Section: A Business Case For Wte In Ghanamentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Tahiru,

Cobbina,

Asare

et al. 2024

World

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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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“…Extensive data have been reported on the parameters needed to estimate the energy recovery potential from Equation (1). For this present study, a tonne of MSW can produce 100 Nm 3 of biogas for electricity production [4], assuming 55.5% methane in the biogas [97], 61% OFMSW [18], and a calorific value of 20 MJ/m 3 for methane [98]. The population and annual waste generation per capita were obtained from Figure 2.…”

Section: Potential Electricity Production From Msw Under Anaerobic Di...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[97], 61% OFMSW [18], and a calorific value of 20 MJ/m 3 for methane [98]. The population and annual waste generation per capita were obtained from Figure 2.…”

Section: Potential Electricity Production From Msw Under Anaerobic Di...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Municipal Solid Waste Generation Trend and Bioenergy Recovery Potential: A Review

Darmey,

Ahiekpor,

Narra

et al. 2023

Energies

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Finding sustainable solutions to the increasing waste generation in Ghana has received a lot of attention in recent years. Through several waste-to-energy processes, the energy potential of municipal solid waste has recently witnessed significant technological advancements. The Renewable Energy Master Plan has projected the production of about 122 MWp from waste-to-energy installations by 2030 in Ghana. To help policymakers and engineers achieve national goals, this paper reviews the waste generation in Ghana estimated from 2010 to 2030 and the status of various bioenergy technologies in Ghana. This paper further estimates the energy recovery potential of municipal solid waste in Ghana under incineration, anaerobic digestion, and landfill gas recovery technologies. The review establishes that, by 2030, municipal solid waste generation will increase by 123% of the 2023 quantities and may produce 1484.25 MW of installed electricity capacity and 13,002.03 GWh per year, which would amount to nearly 59% of Ghana’s 2030 renewable energy target. Additionally, it was determined that anaerobic digestion, incineration, and landfill gas recovery technologies, when properly developed, will add 105.33 MW, 301.4 MW, and 377.31 MW of installed electrical capacity, respectively, to Ghana’s energy mix in 2028.

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Power Generation from Municipal Solid Waste in Ghana

Cited by 6 publications

References 7 publications

Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste and Assessment of Its Potential for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Valorization

Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste and Assessment of Its Potential for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Valorization

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

Municipal Solid Waste Generation Trend and Bioenergy Recovery Potential: A Review

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