The Use of Organic Waste as an Eco-Efficient Energy Source in Ghana

The problem of municipal solid waste (MSW) management has been an issue of global concern in recent times and has engaged governments and local authorities in their quest to manage solid waste in a sustained manner. This research therefore assessed the use of the organic fraction of MSW as an eco-efficient energy source in Ghana. A study of Ghana's solid waste profile was undertaken and the fraction of biodegradable component was found to be approximately 60%, with a heating value of 17 MJ/kg and a moisture content of 50%. With representative power output of 1.66 MWh/tonne a total of 3320 GWh of energy can be produced annually from the 4 proposed plants, generating net revenue of about $111,600,000. A state-of-the art waste incineration technology was used as a model and adapted to suit Ghana's tropical conditions. MSW combustion releases less CO2 for the same power output (837 lb/MWh) than any of the other conventional fuels do, and is therefore a good fuel for the fight against climate change.