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Project aims to reduce 700,000+ tons of CO2 emissions by 2030 through sustainable air conditioning solutions
Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
ACCRA, Ghana - Ghana has officially launched the Green Cooling Program, a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Klik Foundation that aims to revolutionize the country's air conditioning sector and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The program, implemented by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) on behalf of GSN Ghana, seeks to accelerate the adoption of environmentally-friendly split air conditioning units using R-290 (propane) as a natural coolant across household, corporate, and public sectors.
With air conditioning currently accounting for approximately 8% of Ghana's national greenhouse gas emissions, the initiative comes at a crucial time for the West African nation. As Ghana's population grows and development accelerates, the demand for cooling solutions continues to rise dramatically.
Speaking at the kickoff event, EPA Chief Executive Officer Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse highlighted the urgent need for sustainable cooling solutions as Ghana faces growing demand for air conditioning due to population expansion and increased electrification.
"The air conditioning sector accounts for approximately 8% of our national greenhouse gas emissions," Prof. Klutse stated. "This project is not just timely, but absolutely critical for our climate goals."
The Swiss-funded initiative, implemented under the Paris Agreement framework, focuses on three key components:
Financial Incentives, Supporting the adoption of up to 150,000 energy-efficient green air conditioners that use natural refrigerants with ultra-low global warming potential, particularly propane.
Capacity Building, Establishing comprehensive training and certification programs for AC technicians to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and servicing of green cooling equipment.
Refrigerant Management, Implementing proper disposal and destruction of refrigerants from replaced units to prevent atmospheric release.
The project is projected to reduce approximately 704,178 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 2030. Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative promises substantial economic savings through reduced electricity bills, job creation, and enhanced technical skills development.
The project brings together multiple stakeholders including GIZ, the Swiss Embassy, UNDP, the Energy Commission, and private sector partners such as Sam Electronics, Electroland, and Somotex.
"We are not just changing equipment. We are building a vital, sustainable cooling ecosystem," Prof. Klutse emphasized, positioning Ghana as a leader in environmental stewardship within Africa.
"Ghana is a tropical country experiencing high demand for cooling, which is essential for health, occupational safety, and comfort," said Gunnar Wegner, representing the Sustainable Energy and Climate Cluster at GIZ. "This program will lay a strong foundation for Ghana's participation in the global drive towards sustainable development."
The program targets the installation of 150,000 green split air conditioners by 2030, with 5,000 units already being incentivized ahead of final project authorization from the governments of Switzerland and Ghana.
Each unit is estimated to save between 1,000 to 2,000 kilowatt hours annually, translating to savings of 2,000 to 4,000 Ghana cedis per year in electricity costs for consumers. The high-efficiency inverter technology not only reduces environmental impact but also provides immediate economic benefits to users.
The program builds on Ghana's existing regulatory framework, particularly Energy Commission regulation Li 2458, which promotes the shift toward low-carbon cooling solutions. Technicians have already received training on the installation and maintenance of these advanced air conditioning systems, ensuring market readiness.
The initiative represents a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, including UNDP, UNEP, Ghana's National Ozone Unit at the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency directorate. The program aligns with Ghana's commitments under the Montreal Protocol's Kigali Amendment and supports the country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to combat climate change.
The Green Cooling Program positions Ghana as a frontrunner in sustainable cooling technology adoption across Africa, with organizers expressing hopes to expand the initiative to potentially reach one million units in the future.
The initiative represents a significant step toward sustainable development, aiming to set a precedent for green cooling solutions across the African continent.