Analysis of Household Energy Efficiency in developing countries using the Long Energy Alternative Planning System (Case Study: Ghana)

Abstract

Ghana continues to face periodic energy crisis particularly in the power sector. The dominant household energy fuels in Ghana are mainly biomass, oil products and hydropower. Efficient and wise use of available resources would consequently reduce the effects and scarcity of these energy resources and make energy more accessible to many households in future. The objective of this paper is to use the LEAP model to develop three scenaria to depict a business as usual, assumed lower (10%) and higher (30%) energy savings on household energy intensities by 2030. Key factors relevant in the analysis included current and future household size, economic growth and saturation of household energy appliances. The results of this research shows a 30% reduction in total household energy consumption thus, higher energy saving scenario which would save about 1,552 ktoe and reduce GHG emission by 1,077.2 ktCO2 equivalent as compared to the baseline scenario by 2030. This scenario would reduce health risk associated with biomass use and save households income on fuel. Effective implementation of policies and laws banning inefficient household electrical devices such as refrigerators, air-conditioners and lighting bulbs is necessary. In addition, awareness on energy savings on improved cooking stoves and automatic lighting control systems in buildings is beneficial in achieving this target. Meanwhile programs and policies in Ghana should aim at barriers in renewable energy technologies to ensure its significance in the household energy mix.