Energy efficiency, solar energy and cost saving opportunities in public tertiary institutions in developing countries: The case of KNUST, Ghana

Abstract High electricity consumption and corresponding cost in public tertiary institutions in many developing countries is a major challenge to their respective governments. Low efficiency electrical appliances are common in these institutions. In this work, studies have been conducted on sustainable energy efficiency measures and solar energy to reduce electricity cost in public tertiary institutions with a case study at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana. Energy audits as well as actual measurements of power consumptions of some selected electrical appliances using power quality analyzers were conducted. The result showed that there is total electricity savings opportunity of 163,400 kWh ± 5% per month by implementing energy efficiency retrofitting for the air-conditioners, lighting systems and ventilation fans for the faculty areas and the main administration buildings. This electricity savings translates to electricity cost reduction of about US$ 37,880 per month. Analysis also showed that the cost of conserved energy for the three electrical appliances are all lower than the utility tariff for KNUST. Considering large-scale solar PV integration in KNUST’s energy mix, the financial analysis has revealed that there is opportunity for electricity cost savings of US$ 69.1 million over a 20-year period with payback of 6 years.