Renewable Energy Capacity for large scale rural agricultural irrigation
PROJECT DETAILS
Strategic Priority Area:
Renewable Energy Capacity for large scale rural agricultural irrigation
Project Type:
In consortium with other consultants and international collaborators
Location:
Northern Ghana
Investor Country:
European Union
Project Location:
Northern Ghana
Project Scope:
Mobilisation of a Technical Assistance Mission of the Technical Assistance Facility of EU (TAF) for Ghana for Sector analysis, formulation of activities in support to the energy intensification of the irrigation sector in Northern Ghana
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f.kemausuor@morksreidglobal.com
Agriculture serves as a source of income for a significant population in parts of rural northern Ghana. On the other hand, difficulties with irrigation in parts of the country hinder the development of this vital sector. Nearly 500,000 hectares of land suffer from high energy costs and nonfunctional irrigation infrastructure.
With an estimated total cost of 33 million Euros, the project aimed at analyzing the support required in terms of energy intensification for the irrigation sector in the northern region.
Through a collaborative effort between our lead energy expert and other consultants, the analysis showed that using sustainable investments would benefit the irrigation sector significantly.
The first phase of the project involved expanding the solar PV generating capacity in the region to diversify the country’s energy mix with an output targeted at irrigation systems in Northern Ghana as primary beneficiaries. In installing up to 100 Communal Solar-powered Irrigation Systems, this expansion could provide an average capacity of 30 kW each to irrigate up to 1000 ha, thus achieving a 3 MW solar PV capacity in total.
The second phase would focus on improving and expanding the electricity distribution networks, thus ensuring that power reaches irrigation facilities, both planned and existing. This grid extension, in the form of 66 km Extension of 34kV line to Babato (AGDEVCO proposed irrigation site in the Bole District), 50 km Line extensions in Eastern Corridor (Oti River Basin), 20km line extensions in the Nasia-Nabogu River Basin, and Line upgrading and transformer installation on 34kV line from Navrongo to Fumbisi Valley (Yagaba for IWAD irrigation project and others) would provide excellent support for Large scale commercial agriculture.
In the final phase, the feasibility showed the need for supporting sector institutions to implement measures that improve energy efficiency, disseminate knowledge, facilitate tariff reform while overall creating awareness on renewable energy-based solutions for irrigation.
