Government, through the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, has signed a major agreement with Canadian clean energy company Portage Energy Group Inc. to develop a waste-to-energy and sustainable aviation fuel project aimed at boosting renewable energy generation and improving waste management in Ghana.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed, designates Portage Energy as the preferred development partner for the initiative, which seeks to convert municipal solid waste into bio-organic pellets, clean electricity and eventually Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The first phase of the project will focus on technical and environmental engineering studies within the Tema Metropolitan Area, particularly around the Kpone landfill site.
Project Targets Renewable Energy And Waste Reduction
Under the agreement, integrated facilities will be developed to process municipal waste into renewable energy products while reducing dependence on landfill disposal.
Each facility is expected to generate up to 25 megawatts of electricity. Approximately five megawatts will be used to power plant operations, while the remaining energy will be supplied to the national grid.
Authorities say the project will be fully financed by the private sector through Portage Energy, meaning the initiative will not place any direct financial burden on the government.
The project is also expected to support Ghana’s climate resilience strategy and circular economy objectives by reducing methane emissions from landfill waste and promoting cleaner energy alternatives.
Government Sees Major Green Transition Opportunity
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, described the agreement as a major milestone in Ghana’s renewable energy and environmental sustainability agenda.
“This partnership aligns seamlessly with Ghana’s strategic commitment to sustainable waste management and our green transition,” the Minister stated.
“By turning municipal solid waste into reliable, clean electricity, we are not only addressing sanitation challenges but also strengthening our national energy security and driving local economic growth without drawing on public funds.” - John Abdulai Jinapor
Government expects the initiative to create jobs, improve waste management systems and position Ghana as a future regional hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel production.
Canada Backs Ghana’s Climate Ambitions
Chief Executive Officer of Portage Energy Group, Craig Latimer, said the company was honoured to support what he described as a transformative clean energy project.
“Our proven waste-to-value solutions will reduce landfill dependence, generate up to 25 megawatts of clean power, and lay the essential groundwork for future Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in West Africa.” - Craig Latimer
Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, also praised the agreement, describing it as another milestone in relations between Canada and Ghana.
“We are thrilled to see Canadian innovation and expertise supporting Ghana’s ambitious climate resilience and circular economy goals,” she stated.
Under the terms of the MoU, Portage Energy will immediately begin technical assessments and stakeholder consultations ahead of negotiations on operational arrangements and power purchase agreements.
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