KNUST experts push for renewables and meteorology in solving Ghana’s energy crisis

Experts at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) are urging more investment in renewable energy. They also want increased funding for meteorological research. This is to help address Ghana’s ongoing energy challenges.

At a recent symposium on Energy Meteorology, experts discussed the country's reliance on hydroelectric power. They emphasized the need to diversify energy sources.

Prof. Emmanuel Quansah leads the Department of Meteorology and Climate Science at KNUST. He highlighted the importance of investing in meteorological institutions. These institutions need tools to provide accurate weather data for energy planning.

He noted that Ghana heavily relies on hydro power, which cannot meet current demands. The government is looking into alternative energy sources, particularly renewables.

Prof. Quansah explained that solar and wind energy depend on climate conditions. Therefore, accurate meteorological data is crucial for effective energy planning. The symposium aimed to connect climate, weather, and energy while involving academia, industry, and media.

The event was organized by the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre under the theme “Harnessing Meteorological Science for Low-Carbon Energy Solutions.”

Professor David Ato Quansah, director of the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre, stressed the need for accurate data in renewable energy deployment. He questioned how solar solutions can be effectively deployed without knowing available solar energy.

He pointed out that solar energy fluctuates daily and hourly. Understanding resources like sun, wind, and biomass is essential for low-carbon solutions. Effective system design requires this knowledge; hence meteorology plays a critical role.

He called for stronger collaboration between energy and meteorological experts. More investment in research and capacity building is needed to support a sustainable, low-carbon future.