Improving energy efficiency and management systems in Ghana’s industries_ a case study in the Accra metropolitan area-greater Accra region

Abstract

The judicious use of energy by industries is a key measures for ensuring a sustainable industrial development. The cost effective application of energy management and energy efficiency measures offers industries with an effective means of gaining both economic and social dividend, also reducing the negative environmental effects of energy use. Unfortunately, industries in developing countries are lagging behind in the adoption of energy efficiency and management measures; as such missing the benefits of implementation. This study aims at enhancing the knowledge of industrial energy efficiency and management strategies in Ghana, by investigating the present level of energy efficiency and management practices in industries in the Accra metropolitan area of Ghana. The study is incorporated in the investigations barriers and driving forces for the implementation of energy efficiency measures; to shed light on the rationale for both the adoption and non-adoption of cost effective industrial energy efficient technologies in Ghana. The study was carried out using a semi-structure interview due to the explorative nature of the study. The interviews were conducted in sessions, in the first session, respondents were asked to describe the energy efficiency management strategies in used in their respective companies. The second session, respondents were asked to fill a structured questionnaire covering the various aspects of the study. The results reveal that energy is poorly managed in the industrial area and there is an energy efficiency gap resulting from the low implementation of energy efficiency measures. In addition, it reveals that the important barriers impeding the implementation of cost effective energy efficiency technologies or measures in the surveyed firms principally stems from rational behavior economic barriers, which are deeply linked to University of Education, Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh vii the lack of government frameworks and policies for industrial energy efficiency. The study also finds that economic gains related to cost reductions resulting from lowered energy use and threats of rising energy and oil prices are the most important drivers for implementing energy efficiency measures or technologies in Ghana.