Assessment of Biofuel Potential on Marginal Lands and from Waste Vegetable Oil Resources in a Ghana

Abstract

Climate change and its numerous effects has called for the need to consider green and cleansourced energy alternatives. Biofuel promises to be a great option. This research aims at Assessing the Biofuel Potential on Marginal Lands and from Waste Vegetable Oil Resources in Ghana. According to literature, Ghana seeks to integrate 20% biofuels into the transport mix by 2030 to reduce emission among other pros. Biodiesel from Jatropha , Soya bean oil, oil palm, coconut oil, etc. has been tested to that effect. The challenge however has been the food versus energy a debate. Questionnaires were used to determine Waste Vegetable Oil resources from households, wayside vendors and hotels. AHP and TOPSIS were used to select energy crops based on ecological requirements. A suitability analysis was then done using ArcGIS. It was also revealed that, 395.9litres of WVO can be generated monthly as biodiesel feedstock from 101 households, 32 wayside vendors and 200 hotels. This will reduce our GHG emissions by 1.0634 tCO2e. Considering the potential of biofuel in Ghana. It will be expedient to consider introducing biodiesel into our energy sector especially as transport fuel in our quest to minimize GHG emissions and to augment the heavy reliance on fossil fuels.