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Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This open-access article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, sharing, adaptation, distribution, and reproduction in any
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htps://doi.org/10.53964/jmge.2023003
ISSN 2790-3206
(
Online
)
Journal of
Modern Green Energy
Open Access
https://www.innovationforever.com
Systematic Review
Possibility of Efficient Utilization of Wood Waste as a Renewable Energy Resource in
Ghana
Mohammed Takase
1*
, Rogers Kipkoech
1
, Joy Kibet
2
, Faith Mugah
2
1
Department of Environmental Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural
Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
2
Department of Spatial and Environmental Planning, School of Architecture and the Built Environment,
Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
*
Correspondence to: Mohammed Takase, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Department of Environmental Science,
School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana;
Email: mohammed.takase@ucc.edu.gh
Received: September 24, 2022 Accepted: January 6, 2023 Published: March 22, 2023
Abstract
Objective: Ghana has an abundance of energy resources, including biomass, hydrocarbons, hydropower,
solar, and wind. The purpose of this work is to explain the importance of using, woody biomass in
particular as a renewable source of energy. To improve the utilization of all types of woody biomass,
particularly those that are currently considered waste, this paper provides an analysis and overview of
the possibilities for using wood waste as a renewable energy, as well as the challenges that producers in
Ghana face due to underdeveloped markets and a large amount of capital required to begin production of
briquettes and pellets.
Methods: The research strategy is based on the use of secondary data obtained from the internet, as well
as analytic and synthetic methods in the preparation of the paper. As a data source, the literature on the
production and use of biomass was used. The “Journal of Renewable Energy Review” and other expert
literature were used to determine the energy potential of woody biomass residues in Ghana.
Results: More than 3.5 million m
3
of wood is cut annually in Ghana to meet the energy demand. Wood
biomass has traditionally been used for energy but the way it is used is outdated, and its efciency is
extremely low. Additionally, the current situation on wood biomass, management of waste in saw mills
and, the need for future development of the industrial development is also briefy described. It is of great
necessity to fulfll what is outlined in the Convention on Climate Change to transition to a more modern
method of producing and using woody biomass.
Conclusion: Biomass has the potential of replacing 25% of the total energy production. Woody biomass
process at sawmills generates more than 20% of residues in form of briquettes and pellets, most of which
are not exploited. Creation and utilizations wood waste is limited due to lack of technologies, markets,
pollution of environment with primary and secondary waste, etc.