European firms to partner Ghana in renewable energy
Various German and European companies who are into solar, biogas, wind and other renewable energy supply technology have expressed their preparedness to partner the private sector in Ghana and the government to help the country step up its power production.
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The companies, which include EnDi AG, Energiebau and mp-Tech, say they will work with companies and institutions to deliver small to large-scale renewable energy supply systems in factories and communities and for real estate developers to help them meet all or part of their electricity needs.
Financial institutions such as ProCredit Ghana, the German Development Bank (KfW) and its subsidiary DEG, as well as the German Technical Cooperation (GIZ), have expressed the interest to finance some of the bankable projects that will be sealed as Ghana makes strides to step up its energy supply, with renewable sources.
Representatives of the firms expressed their readiness during the Ghanaian-German Renewables Business Forum in Accra yesterday as part of the second West African Clean Energy and Environment Exhibition and Conferences (WACEE 2013) organised by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana (AHK).
The forum, which was on the theme: “Setting the Ground for Sustainable Energy Development”, was to promote interest in renewable energy sources in the country.
The Project Coordinator of EnD-I Osam Energy and Environment Consulting Limited, Ms Gloria Samira Nayina, said the company provided services in energy efficiency, biogas, landfill gas, sewage gas, as well as end-use applications such as thermal and electricity.
Its major project would be the construction of a large biogas plant for the food processing company, Blue Skies, which would enable the company to generate electricity for its entire operations without depending on the national grid.
The German technology solutions provider in electrical connectivity, transmission and conditioning, Weidmuller, said the fair had lived up to expectation, as it had enabled them to speak to a few but important contacts.
The Business Development Manager for sub-Saharan Africa at Weidmuller, Mr Jacques Vosloo, told the Daily Graphic that the company was looking for more local partners to deepen its footprint in the country.
Managers of mp-Tech Solar Ghana, a joint venture between the German company, mp-Tech, and its Ghanaian partners, agreed that the fair had helped them interact with important stakeholders in the solar energy sector.
Although the joint venture was consummated just under a year ago, the company is already concluding an agreement with Accra Polytechnic to locate the range of its products and solutions there as a pilot.
Ms Janet Quaye, an official at the Energy Commission, also told the Daily Graphic that the fair had given the commission the opportunity to interact with the public on energy efficiency.
More than 41 international market and technology leaders from five countries took part in West Africa’s key energy exhibition. The exhibitors had the opportunity of discussing business with more than 800 professional trade visitors.
Several ministries and notable sponsors and international institutions, including Energiebau and SMA Solar Technology, PwC and the Daily Graphic, supported the event.