Ghana and Canada Launch Waste‑to‑Energy Partnership to Boost Clean Power and Sustainable Aviation Fuel
On May 19, 2026, Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canadian clean‑energy firm Portage Energy Group Inc. The agreement designates Portage Energy as the preferred development partner for a project that will convert municipal solid waste into bio‑organic pellets, generate electricity, and lay the groundwork for future sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in West Africa.
Project Scope and Technology
The initiative will begin with technical and environmental studies in the Tema metropolitan area, focusing on the Kpone landfill site. Under the MoU, integrated facilities will be built to:
- Process municipal solid waste into high‑density bio‑organic pellets.
- Generate up to 25 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity per plant.
- Allocate roughly 5 MW to power the plant’s own operations, feeding the remaining 20 MW into the national grid.
- Create a technical pathway for future SAF synthesis from the waste‑derived feedstock.
Portage Energy’s proven waste‑to‑value technology—already deployed in several North American municipalities—will be adapted to Ghana’s waste composition and climate conditions. The company will finance the entire development, construction, and commissioning phases, meaning the Ghanaian government will incur no direct fiscal outlay.
Economic and Environmental Implications
Ghana faces mounting pressure to manage growing urban waste streams while expanding reliable electricity access. According to the World Bank, approximately 85 % of Ghanaians had access to electricity in 2023, yet frequent load‑shedding hampers industrial productivity. By diverting waste from landfills, the project aims to:
- Reduce methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas—by preventing anaerobic decomposition of organic waste.
- Supply dispatchable renewable power that complements the country’s hydro and solar assets.
- Stimulate local job creation in waste collection, processing, and plant operations.
- Support Ghana’s broader green transition targets, which include a 10 % share of modern renewables in the generation mix by 2030.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor (speaking on behalf of his deputy), highlighted the alignment with national priorities:
“This partnership fits seamlessly into Ghana’s strategic commitment to sustainable waste management and our green transition. By converting municipal waste into reliable, clean electricity, we not only address sanitation challenges, but also strengthen our national energy security and promote local economic growth without relying on public funding.”
Bilateral Cooperation and Expertise
Craig Latimer, Chief Executive Officer of Portage Energy Group Inc., emphasized the firm’s readiness to contribute:
“Portage Energy is honored to be named a preferred development partner for this transformative project. Our proven waste‑to‑value solutions will reduce reliance on landfill, generate up to 25 megawatts of clean electricity and lay the essential foundation for future sustainable aviation fuel production in West Africa.”
The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, welcomed the agreement as a testament to enduring Ghana‑Canada ties:
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks another proud milestone in the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Ghana. We are pleased to see Canadian innovation and expertise supporting Ghana’s ambitious climate resilience and circular‑economy goals.”
Looking Ahead
Subject to the outcome of the forthcoming feasibility and environmental impact studies, construction of the first pilot plant could commence within 18 months. Successful deployment would provide a scalable model for other West African municipalities seeking to marry waste management with clean‑energy generation—a approach increasingly recognized by international bodies such as the United Nations Environment Programme as a cornerstone of sustainable urban development.
By leveraging private‑sector investment, proven technology, and bilateral cooperation, the Ghana‑Portage Energy initiative illustrates how targeted partnerships can advance both environmental stewardship and energy resilience.
