With the right investments and policies, bioenergy can convert Africa’s vast waste resources into clean power, helping families cook safely, reduce energy bills, and access reliable electricity while creating jobs and supporting climate action, a KNUST study has revealed.
The study, conducted by Professor Francis Kemausour and Dr. Akwasi Adu-Poku, fellows at The Brew-Hammond Energy Centre, KNUST argues that bioenergy represents one of Africa’s most promising yet underutilised renewable energy opportunities.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the 41st Durban International Conference on Green Chemical Engineering, Energy & Environmental Sustainability (GCEEES-25), highlights Africa’s vast and largely untapped biomass resources, including agricultural residues, animal waste, forestry by-products, and municipal solid waste.
These resources present a unique opportunity to expand energy access, drive climate action, and support socio-economic development.
The research revealed that unlike other renewable sources, bioenergy offers a versatile and decentralized energy solution. It can deliver electricity, heat, and clean cooking solutions while promoting rural development and environmental stewardship.
It emphasizes that transitioning from traditional, inefficient biomass use to modern bioenergy systems requires strong policies, investment, and effective governance.
The study identifies financing as a major challenge but points to potential solutions such as green investment funds, carbon markets, and public-private partnerships.
It also stresses the importance of community involvement and gender inclusivity to ensure that bioenergy projects are socially equitable and locally owned.
The paper argues that with the right enabling environment, bioenergy can complement solar, wind, and other renewable sources, helping Africa accelerate its energy transition while contributing to global climate and development agendas. The research further notes that bioenergy can create jobs, enhance food security through biofertilizer production, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The study concludes that sustainable bioenergy is not only an environmental necessity but also a development imperative, capable of supporting Africa’s green and inclusive energy future when backed by coordinated policies, investment, and active stakeholder participation.
Story: Abena Serwaa Gyamfi
KNUST-Ghana and West Africa’s number-one science and technology university, renowned worldwide for excellence in STEM education, innovation, research leadership, and unmatched quality in higher education.
