The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canadian clean energy company, Portage Energy Group Inc., to develop a national waste-to-energy and waste-to-value project aimed at transforming municipal waste into clean electricity and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The agreement, signed on May 19, 2026, designates Portage Energy Group Inc. as the preferred development partner for the initiative, which forms part of Ghana’s broader green transition and climate resilience agenda.
According to the Ministry, the project seeks to address Ghana’s growing municipal solid waste challenges while strengthening renewable energy generation and supporting sustainable urban management.
Initial technical and environmental engineering studies are expected to begin within the Tema Metropolitan Area, with a major focus on the Kpone Landfill site.
Under the proposed initiative, integrated facilities will be developed to convert municipal solid waste into bio-organic pellets, also known as refuse-derived fuel, generate clean electricity, and later refine the pellets into Sustainable Aviation Fuel for the aviation industry.
Each facility is projected to generate up to 25 megawatts of electricity, with approximately five megawatts reserved for operational activities while the remaining power will be supplied to Ghana’s national grid.
The project will be fully financed by Portage Energy, with no direct financial obligation on the Government of Ghana.
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, described the agreement as a major milestone in Ghana’s renewable energy and sanitation drive.
“This partnership aligns seamlessly with Ghana’s strategic commitment to sustainable waste management and our green transition. By turning municipal solid waste into reliable, clean electricity, we are not only addressing sanitation challenges but also strengthening our national energy security and driving local economic growth without drawing on public funds,” he stated.
Chief Executive Officer of Portage Energy Group Inc., Craig Latimer, said the company was honoured to support Ghana’s clean energy ambitions.
“Our proven waste-to-value solutions will reduce landfill dependence, generate up to 25 megawatts of clean power, and lay the essential groundwork for future Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in West Africa,” he said.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, also described the agreement as another milestone in Ghana-Canada relations.
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks another proud milestone in the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Ghana. We are thrilled to see Canadian innovation and expertise supporting Ghana’s ambitious climate resilience and circular economy goals,” she stated.
The Ministry noted that the project is expected to reduce methane emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills, extend the lifespan of existing waste infrastructure, create jobs, and position Ghana as a future hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in Africa.
Officials further indicated that the initiative could generate significant foreign exchange earnings through future exports of SAF.
Under the terms of the agreement, Portage Energy will immediately begin technical assessments and stakeholder engagements ahead of negotiations on operational and power purchase agreements for the implementation phase.
The initiative is also expected to support Ghana’s circular economy goals and contribute to efforts aimed at promoting renewable energy development and sustainable industrial growth.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
