We are at COP28: Presentation of the EnerSHelF project

About the project

As in many developing and emerging countries, power outages are a recurring problem in Ghana. There is even a word for this: "dumsor". On top of this comes the instability of the electricity supply network. Both have a significant impact on the health sector, leaving operating theatres without light and life-saving medical equipment down. Photovoltaic-based electricity could provide a remedy, but the PV market in Ghana is still relatively undeveloped. Bringing together Ghanaian partners, scientists, and practitioners from various disciplines, the EnerSHelf project aims to improve and disseminate marketable PV-based energy solutions specifically tailored for healthcare facilities in Ghana. By exploring technical and political economy aspects, experts seek to understand both the practical and institutional barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of such solutions.

By the end of the project in March 2023, these findings will have resulted in several planning tools that will make it easier in future to determine the specific needs and role of healthcare facilities for rural electrification, also involving the surrounding communities, and to better manage and maintain the systems. Photovoltaic systems could therefore contribute to a more secure and sustainable power supply in the Ghanaian healthcare sector in the future. In addition to financing issues, it is important that operating companies develop solutions tailored to the needs of the facilities together with local partners, the researchers recommend.

The project presentation can be followed live by registered participants of COP28.

The event is organized by the Institute for Biodiversity - Network e.V. on behalf of the BMBF together with JW Eco Technologies.