Electricity generation prospects from clustered smallholder and irrigated rice farms in Ghana

摘要: Abstract In farming communities in Ghana and the West African region, crop residues are often unused remain available for valorisation. This study has analysed prospects of electricity generation using from smallholder farms within defined clusters. Data was collected 14 administrative districts Ghana, where surveys were conducted residue-to-product ratios determined farmer fields. Thermochemical characterisation performed laboratory. The number clustered farms, reference residue yields densities to assess distances which it would be feasible supply feedstock CHP plants. findings show that most districts, a minimum 22–54 larger (10 ha) need enable an economically viable biomass 1000 kWe plant. A 600 plant require 13 30 farms. Financial analysis case indicate such investment not under current renewable feed-in-tariff rates Ghana; increased tariff by 25% or subsidies 30% cost needed ensure viability internal rate return as indicator. Carbon finance options also discussed.