A comprehensive review of the production, adoption and sustained use of biomass pellets in Ghana

Ghana's Renewable Energy Master Plan of 2019 includes the production and use of biomass pellets. However, pellets have neither been developed commercially nor included in Ghana's energy mix. This paper reviewed the prospect of production, adoption and sustained use of pellets in Ghana. Besides having abundant biomass resources, Ghana has high market demand and relevant policies for pellet development. The production of pellets can significantly replace traditional household biomass demand and improve environmental and health quality. However, the production and use of pellets are limited due to technical, financial, social and policy issues. Our estimates show that 3% of the annual national average household income will be spent on pellet demand for cooking, with the highest burden on rural households in Ghana. Practical measures are required since the cost of pellets and gasifier stoves may limit pellet adoption and use in Ghana. Based on study findings, it is recommended that the government of Ghana establishes a robust supply chain and provides infrastructure for pellet production and use. Existing renewable energy policies should be reviewed to remove ambiguities, attract investment, and build capacity in the renewable energy sector. Apart from raising public awareness of the benefits of pellets use, the government of Ghana should ensure that continuous and thorough impact assessments are undertaken to assess the implications of pellet production and use. This review will inform policymaking on achieving sustainable production, adoption and use of pellets and assess Ghana's contribution to achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

Automated summary

Ghana's Renewable Energy Master Plan recognizes the potential of biomass pellets, but currently their commercial development and integration into the energy mix is lacking. This study examines the potential for production, adoption, and sustained use of pellets in Ghana, highlighting the country's abundant biomass resources, market demand, and relevant policies. The production of pellets has the potential to alleviate traditional biomass demand and improve environmental and health conditions. However, there are limitations in terms of technical, financial, social, and policy aspects hindering their production and use. It is recommended that the Ghanaian government establish a robust supply chain, provide necessary infrastructure, review renewable energy policies, raise public awareness, and conduct thorough impact assessments to promote sustainable production, adoption, and use of pellets and contribute to the United Nations' sustainable development goals.