FAO NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON WOOD ENERGY AND FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION IN

GHANA

IMPROVED TECHNOLOGIES FOR WOOD ENERGY PRODUCTION: BIOMASS GASIFICATION AND PYROLYSIS

Presented by:

Lovans Owusu-TakyiDirector

• Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Solutions (I-SEES)

• College of Tropical Agriculture – KITA – Executive Board Member• Global Ecovillage Network Ghana - Vice President• Biogas Association of Ghana, (Executive Member)• Bioenergy Association of Ghana (Interim Coordinating Committee)• Ghana Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (GHACCO) – Executive Member

• Ecosystem Based Food Security Assembly – Energy Focal Point• Youth Volunteers for the Environment - YVE Ghana - Exec. Member• African Youth Initiative on Climate Change – Ghana Member

Brief Introduction of the Institute The Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environmental

Solutions (I-SEES) is a

Solution based - research, training and development oriented institution based in Ghana

Mission:

identifying (through research),

promoting (awareness creation and training) and

deploying (market deployment) of

innovative solutions and technologies in

Renewable energy, climate change, environment, water and sanitation for improving the livelihoods and ecosystems of households and small enterprises in Ghana and Africa.

Website www.iseesghana.org

Thematic Areas of Operation

Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency

Natural Resources –

Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture –

REDD+,

Environment -Climate Change and

Biodiversity Conservation

WASH – Water, Sanitation and

Hygiene

Objectives we strive to achieve Reducing energy expenditure for vulnerable communities through efficient

solutions

Reducing exposure to air pollution from traditional heating and lighting by Improving the health and livelihoods of vulnerable women through promotion of climate smart technologies – promoting clean Cookstoves and solar lighting solutions

Empowering young people with entrepreneurial skills and innovative ideas to reach their potential through training and business incubation

Enhancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources of vulnerable communities through participatory approaches

Improving Sanitation and Hygeine through sustainable waste to energy technologies, recycling and reuse for improved health and environment of households and communities

Contributing to food security and poverty reduction through conservation agriculture in attainment of the sustainable development goals and climate change mitigation

How we do it• Technical, Vocational and Entreprise-based skills

training (seminars, short courses, academic courses, workshops)

Training

• Evidence based research for policy advocacy and market intelligence advisory

Research and Policy Advocacy

• Professional Advisory Services, research, market study, feasibility analysis, Consultancy

• Outreach, awareness, education and behavioral change communication, livelihood empowerment

Community Development

• Market Development of innovative products and technologies through inclusive business models

Technology Deployment & Marketing

• Support for SMEs, business incubation, financial management, marketing, records, Bss plan dev’tBusiness Development

Center for Renewable Energy and

Energy Efficiency

Center for Biodiversity Conservation Agroforestry and Natural Resources

Center for Sanitation

Research and Technology

Development

ISEES is prominent in with various national networks in Ghana

Ghana Alliance for Clean Cookstoves – GHACCO – to drive adoption of clean Cookstoves and fuels in Ghana www.ghacco.org

Biogas Association of Ghana – to promote biogas technologies as solution for sanitation and waste management and energy and agric. www.biogasassociationgh.org

Ecosystem Based Food Security Assembly – Enhancing ecologically sustainable approaches to food security and renewable energy and environmental sustainability www.ebafosa.org

Ecovillage Network Ghana– Ensuring sustainable community development through wholistic and participatory approaches involving socio-economic, ecological and wordview models towards climate change adaptation – www.ecovillage.org

Permaculture Network Ghana – promoting ecologically sustainable practices towards forest conservation, food and energy security and strengthening vulnerable communities www.permacultureghana.wordpress.com

Youth Volunteers for the Environment – YVE Ghana – building capacity of youth through innovative volunteerism to be involved in green economy, environment and climate policy decision making and sustainable development www.jve-international.org – school clubs education on energy and environment among others.

Partners

YVE GHANAPERMACULTURE

NETWORK GHANA

Ghana’s Renewable Energy Resources Potential

Solar energy

4.5-

6.0kWh/m2/

day

High Biomass Energy

Potential

Hydro (≤100MW) 700MW

Total Wood supply for fuel is 30.7 million tonnes/annum

Woodfuel supply is8 million tonnes /annum

Entire land cover has potential forenergy crop / biofuel cultivation.

Municipal waste is 2 million tonnes/annum;

Wood residue is 2 million tonnes/annum Animal waste is 11 million tonnes/annum

Source – Ministry of Energy

POLICY is to increase RE contribution for power generation by 10% by 2020

Wind energy

(along coast)

5.0 m/s at 60

metres height

State of Cookstove & Biomass Fuels Sector

70% reduction of forest cover largely via unstainable woodfuel collection and Charcoal Burning.

84% households use solid fuels. 21% impacted by Indoor Air Pollution. 17,000 deaths every year with 50% being

children (WHO - 2017) 30% low awareness of health, economic,

and environmental impacts. LPG penetration rate is 26% lower than

expected target of 50% to be achieved by 2030.

Media campaign/ education on sector issues very minimal (Land Area: 238.5 km2)

COUNTRY PROFILE.- PROBLEM STATEMENT

Biomass Gasification Biomass gasification, or producing gas from biomass,

involves burning biomass under restricted air supply for the generation of producer gas. Producer gas is a mixture of gases:

18%–22% carbon monoxide (CO),

8%–12% hydrogen (H2),

8%–12% carbon dioxide (CO2),2%–4% methane (CH4) and

45%–50% nitrogen (N2) making up the rest

Advantages of Biomass Gasification

Mature technology: Biomass gasifier technology is a mature technology and gasifiers are available in several designs and capacities to suit different requirements.

Small and modular: The technology is suitable and economical for small, decentralizedapplications, typically with capacities smaller than a megawatt.

Flexible operation: A gasifier based power system, unlike those based on otherrenewable sources such as the sun and wind, can generate electricity when required andalso wherever required. Whereas large thermal power plants and solar and wind basedunits are very location specific, biomass gasifier based systems can be set up at almostany place where biomass feedstock is available.

Economically viable: For small-scale systems, the cost of power generation by biomassgasification technology is far more reasonable than that of conventional diesel basedpower generation.

Socio-economically beneficial: Biomass gasifier based systems generate employment for local people.

Mitigate climate change: Biomass is a CO2 neutral fuel and, therefore, unlike fossil fuelssuch as diesel does not contribute to net CO2 emissions, which makes biomass basedpower generation systems an attractive option in mitigating the adverse effects ofclimate change

Types of Gasifiers Classification by Density factor

Ratio of Solid Matter

Applications of Gasification Technologies

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Less Expensive

Less Convenient

More Convenient

BIOMASS GASIFIER COOKSTOVE INTERVENTIONS

Envirofit charcoal

Philips StovePrime Stove

Gyapa Cookstove

Mimimoto Stove

Elsa Biochar Stove

SETECH COOKLIGHT & COOKSAFE Stoves (Forced Draft & Natural Draft)

ACE Stove

SECTOR PICTURES: INNOVATION &TECHNOLOGY IN HOUSEHOLD COOKSTOVES.

Traditional Stoves

Improved Stoves and Fuels Advanced Super Clean Stoves and Fuels

Pellet Based Stoves / Use of Agro-waste for cooking – Biomass Gasifiers

Market under development – but picking up

Requires more investments in market development and awareness creation towards adoption

Sector has grown since 2013 till 2017 and have potential to grow

3 companies producing pellets in Ghana

Prime Stoves, Elsa Biochar stoves, Abellon Pellets Stoves, Philips and ACE Stoves making entry

ISEES promotes Improved stoves using agro-waste for households - with palm kernel shells and

coconut husk

Promotional activities among women groups

Key Findings: Initiatives by Educational Institutions

Technology Consultancy Centre, KNUST

• Ferro Cement Charcoal Gasifier

10 kW Ferro Cement Gasifier

Technology invented by TCC withsponsorship from the NetherlandsDevelopment Organization (SNV)

It cost GH₵40,000 to construct the FerroCement Charcoal Gasifier.

The gasifier provides syngas for amodified Mercedes engine coupled to a10kW alternator to generate electricity

Operated and maintained by the RuralEnergy and Enterprise Development Unitunder TCC

Serves as a demonstration facility forstudents.

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Key Findings: Initiatives by Educational Institutions

Technology Consultancy Centre, KNUST• Institutional Rocket Cookstoves

TCC Rocket stove cookstove

Technology invented by TCC with sponsorshipfrom the Netherlands Development Organization(SNV)

Constructed mainly from bricks

The rocket cookstove cost GH₵12,000 toconstruct

These stoves have been replicated for a numbersecond cycle intuitions including Kumasi SeniorHigh Technical School, Yaa Asantewaa Girls'Senior High School, Kumasi Secondary TechnicalSchool, St. Augustine’s College among others

Cleaner, higher performance and more efficientcompared to the traditional tripod

Reduces fuel cost by 80%.

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Traditional Methods of Wood Energy Production Producing Energy From Wood at the indigenous

community based level – are largely

inefficient,

contributes to deforestation

Contributes to climate change

Poor air quality and air pollution

Negative Impact on health of women and children

Charcoal Production has contributions to deforestation in some regions

Majority of processors uses Traditional Kiln method–14% efficient

Improved method – 25% efficient but are least used Need for policies to regulate the sector – requires

improved carbonization methods for local people and feedstock development

Improved casamance kiln – reduces the amount of wood used and yet ensures good quality charcoal is produced.

(Photo Credit: UNDP Uganda 2014)

Metal Kiln (INBAR-Daboase)

Earth Mould Method

Pellets and Briquettes from food-energy crops and biomass fuels in Ghana

Coconut shells Coconut husk Rice husk Sawdust

Corn cobs Pellets Bamboo Corn cob pellet

Rice husk pellet Sawdust pellet Rice straw Wood chips

Figure 3. Some Types of Fuels Used in Ghana

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http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=sawdust+pellets&go=&qs=ds&form=QBIR#view=detail&id=EE51D0A6F4536B20470BB1A651C09DFC242A35CD&selectedIndex=5http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=sawdust+pellets&go=&qs=ds&form=QBIR#view=detail&id=EE51D0A6F4536B20470BB1A651C09DFC242A35CD&selectedIndex=5http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=rice+straw&go=&qs=ds&form=QBIR#view=detail&id=A4B5174CBB3CD2A9F86C9E1CE211D6D3F876C2BE&selectedIndex=3http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=rice+straw&go=&qs=ds&form=QBIR#view=detail&id=A4B5174CBB3CD2A9F86C9E1CE211D6D3F876C2BE&selectedIndex=3

Crop Residue Generation from agricultural crops in 2011

Renewable Charcoal Development - Sustainable Fuels Charcoal Briquettes from Bamboo, Coconut waste, palm kernel

Bamboo plantations as alternatives for fuel

Improved Kilns Development for Charcoal Producers

Charcoal from Feacal Sludge

Charcoal briquettes from cocoa pods, cashew among others.

Sustainable Solutions for Addressing WoodfuelConsumption for Forest Conservation in Ghana

SUSTAINABLE WOODLOTS DEVELOPMENT

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FOREST RESERVES

USE OF TIMBER OFF-CUTS FOR CHARCOAL PRODUCTION

AGRO-FORESTRY – FAST GROWING MULTIPURPOSE TREES AND BAMBOO

PROMOTION OF FOOD ENERGY CROPS – WHOSE RESIDUE CAN BE USED FOR FUEL FOR COOKING

BIOMASS & AGRO-WASTE UTILIZATION FOR CHARCOAL, BRIQUETTES AND PELLETS PRODUCTION

USE OF IMPROVED CONVERSION TECHNOLOGIES

PROMOTION OF END-USE DEVISES – CLEAN COOKSTOVES

Agro-Processing industries heavily dependent on forest resources as fuels Biomass Energy is required in all aspects of society to

drive productivity

Most especially in the Agro-Processing Industry

Boiling - Palm Oil Processing, Palm Kernel Oil Processing, Mushroom Sterilization, Shea Butter Processing,

Roasting - Gari Processing, Groundnut roasting, Shea nuts roasting

Drying - Gari, Fish, Mushroom, Fruit Drying,Leavesdrying, Vegetables,

Smoking - Fish

Improved Technology Overview

The Ahotor oven was designed by SNV, FRI,FC, Morrison Energy Services, Best Performance and Crispin Pemberton an international stove consultant.

• Reduced PAH deposit levels on smoked fish. (BaP 6;PAH 53)

• 32% more fuel efficient than Chorkor

• Similar to baseline design and user friendly

• A standard double unit costs about $500.

• 30% discounted for early adopters.

• Users are trained on the use and maintenance of the oven.

• Ahotor Oven

Improved stoves for healthier Fish smoking - low PAH levels

Approaches and lessons learnt

Research & Baseline Pilot new conceptStakeholder involvement

& Knowledge Sharing

Technology Development Periodic monitoring

Gari Processing StovesTraditional Circular Gari Stoves

Baseline is inefficient, unhealthy and 95% women run

Traditional Rectangular Gari Roasting

Gari Production Project

Improved Rectangular GARI ROASTING Stoves Chrisaach Stove Morrison Stove

WOMEN IN PALM OIL PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

IMPROVED STOVES FOR PALM KERNEL OIL PROCESSING – USING PALM FIBRE – CONSTRUCTED

WITH SUPPORT FROM ECREEE

Protecting and saving lives and our forests

processing- Installed in an off-grid community Papasi, by Kumasi Institute of

Tropical Agriculture, ISEES/ CEESD awith funding from USADF Power Africa

Contact UsLovans Owusu-Takyi

DirectorInstitute for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Solutions

(ISEES)Box 658, University of Ghana Legon, Accra

Kumasi office: Box 293, KNUST, Kumasi

Tel: 0233-0244108268Email: director@iseesghana.org

lovanstakyi@gmail.comWebsite: www.iseesghana.org