Basic 7 · Social Studies · Environmental Issues
Sources of Energy
In this topic you will examine the sources of energy used in Ghana, distinguish between renewable and non-renewable sources, and describe their advantages and disadvantages.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of energy and its sources
- Describe non-renewable sources of energy
- Describe renewable sources of energy and their use in Ghana
What you already know
- The environment and its resources
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Environment
- Sub-strand
- Environmental Issues
- Indicator
- B7.1.1.2.1 – Examine the sources of energy
Introduction
Energy cooks our food, lights our homes, runs our vehicles and powers our factories. Without energy, modern life would stop.
1. What Is Energy?
Energy: The ability to do work, such as moving, heating or lighting.
Energy comes in different forms, including heat, light, electrical, mechanical (movement), chemical (stored in fuels and food) and sound. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be changed from one form to another; for example, a generator changes chemical energy in fuel into electrical energy.
2. Non-Renewable Sources
Non-renewable energy: Energy from sources that cannot be replaced once used up, or that take millions of years to form.
| Source | Use in Ghana | Example |
|---|---|---|
| crude oil | refined into petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG | Jubilee, TEN and Sankofa oilfields offshore |
| natural gas | fuel for thermal power plants and cooking | Atuabo gas processing plant |
| coal | not produced in Ghana; used in some countries for electricity | — |
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| produce a lot of energy | will run out one day |
| easy to transport and store | release smoke and greenhouse gases |
| power vehicles and machines | oil spills pollute the sea |
| create jobs and revenue | prices can rise suddenly |
4. Biomass: Firewood and Charcoal
Many Ghanaian households, especially in rural areas, cook with firewood and charcoal. These come from trees, so they can be renewed if new trees are planted. However, cutting trees faster than they grow leads to deforestation, and smoke from cooking fires harms the lungs, especially of women and children. Improved cookstoves use less charcoal and produce less smoke.
5. Oil and Gas in Ghana
Commercial oil production began from the Jubilee Field in 2010. Oil and gas bring revenue to the government and jobs, but they must be managed carefully to protect fishing communities in the Western Region and to ensure that the money benefits all citizens.
6. Energy Use and Climate Change
Burning fossil fuels and firewood releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to climate change. Climate change brings hotter temperatures, irregular rainfall, droughts and floods, which affect farming and water supply in Ghana. Using energy wisely and switching to cleaner sources helps reduce these effects.
New words
- energy
- The ability to do work.
- non-renewable
- Cannot be replaced once used up.
- fossil fuel
- A fuel formed from ancient plants and animals, such as oil and gas.
- biomass
- Energy from plants and animal materials, such as firewood.
Summary
- Energy is the ability to do work and exists in many forms.
- Non-renewable sources include crude oil, natural gas and coal; Ghana produces oil and gas offshore.
- Firewood and charcoal are widely used but cause deforestation and smoke pollution.
Class activity: Energy Sources at Home
- Examine pieces of charcoal and photographs of energy sources.
- List the energy sources used in your homes.
- Classify them as renewable or non-renewable.
You need: Charcoal pieces, Small solar panel, Printed photographs of Akosombo Dam
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is a non-renewable source of energy?
- A. crude oil
- B. sunlight
- C. wind
- D. flowing water
Show answer
Answer: crude oilRuns out.2. Ghana's first commercial oilfield is the…
- A. Jubilee Field
- B. Akosombo Field
- C. Bui Field
- D. Kpong Field
Show answer
Answer: Jubilee FieldSince 2010.3. Charcoal comes from trees.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueBurnt wood.4. A fuel formed from ancient plants and animals is a ______ fuel.
Show answer
Answer: fossilOil and gas.5. State two advantages and two disadvantages of fossil fuels.
Show answer
Answer: Advantages: much energy, easy to transport. Disadvantages: run out, pollute the air.Both.6. Explain how improved cookstoves help the environment and health.
Show answer
Answer: They use less charcoal, saving trees, and produce less smoke, protecting lungs.Two benefits.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Environment
- Sub-strand
- Environmental Issues
- Indicator
- B7.1.1.2.1 – Examine the sources of energy
Introduction
The sun shines on Ghana almost every day, rivers flow and the wind blows along the coast. These are sources of energy that will never run out.
1. What Is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy: Energy from sources that are naturally replaced and will not run out, such as the sun, water and wind.
2. Renewable Sources in Ghana
| Source | How it works | Example in Ghana |
|---|---|---|
| hydroelectric power | flowing water turns turbines | Akosombo, Kpong and Bui dams |
| solar energy | solar panels change sunlight into electricity | solar plants such as at Navrongo; solar lanterns and street lights |
| wind energy | wind turns turbines | small projects along the coast |
| biogas | gas from rotting waste used for cooking or electricity | biogas digesters at some schools and farms |
| biomass | wood and crop waste burned for heat | firewood, sawdust, palm kernel shells |
3. Hydroelectric Power in Ghana
The Akosombo Dam, completed in 1965, is Ghana's largest source of hydroelectric power. The Kpong Dam (1982) and the Bui Dam (2013) add more. Hydroelectric power is clean, but it depends on rainfall: in years of low rainfall, the water level in Lake Volta falls and power cuts may occur.
4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energy
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| will not run out | equipment can be expensive to install |
| little or no pollution | solar depends on sunshine; hydro depends on rain |
| reduces dependence on imported fuel | dams can flood land and displace people |
| suitable for remote areas (solar) | storage of energy (batteries) is costly |
5. The Future of Energy in Ghana
Ghana aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity supply. Solar power is especially promising because Ghana receives strong sunshine all year, particularly in the north. Learners can support clean energy by using solar lanterns, saving electricity and learning about careers in renewable energy.
6. Energy Careers
The growth of renewable energy is creating new jobs in Ghana. Solar technicians install and repair panels, engineers design power systems, and businesses sell solar lanterns and home systems. Studying science, mathematics and technical subjects can prepare learners for these careers, which help both the economy and the environment.
New words
- renewable energy
- Energy from sources that do not run out.
- hydroelectric power
- Electricity produced by flowing water.
- solar panel
- A device that changes sunlight into electricity.
- biogas
- Gas produced from rotting organic waste.
Summary
- Renewable sources include hydroelectric, solar, wind, biogas and biomass energy.
- Akosombo, Kpong and Bui dams produce hydroelectric power, which depends on rainfall.
- Renewable energy is clean and lasting but can be costly to install.
Class activity: Renewable Energy Model
- Examine a small solar panel and photographs of the Akosombo Dam.
- Explain how each produces electricity.
- Debate which renewable source is best for your community.
You need: Charcoal pieces, Small solar panel, Printed photographs of Akosombo Dam
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is a renewable source of energy?
- A. sunlight
- B. crude oil
- C. coal
- D. natural gas
Show answer
Answer: sunlightNever runs out.2. Which dam was completed in 2013?
- A. Bui
- B. Akosombo
- C. Kpong
- D. Weija
Show answer
Answer: BuiNewest major dam.3. Hydroelectric power depends on rainfall.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueWater levels.4. Gas produced from rotting waste is ______.
Show answer
Answer: biogasRenewable fuel.5. Name three renewable energy sources used in Ghana.
Show answer
Answer: Hydroelectric, solar, biomass (or biogas, wind).Any three.6. Why is solar energy promising for northern Ghana?
Show answer
Answer: The north receives strong sunshine all year, and solar can serve remote areas without power lines.Sunshine and access.
Homework
- List the energy sources used in your home and say whether each is renewable or non-renewable.