Tropentag, September 16 - 18, 2026, Göttingen "Towards multi-functional agro-ecosystems promoting climate-resilient futures"

Utilisation of cocoa pod husks for the generation of renewable energy in Ghana

Czech University of Life Sciences, Department of Food and BioResource Technology, Czech Republic

Abstract

This study sought to assess whether, at a 70% recoverable rate for waste cocoa pod husks (CPHs), rural communities in Ghana can be provided with electricity using this waste as a feedstock for a small-scale gasifier system. The energy potential of CPHs in the Edwenase community was therefore measured. A total of 12 samples were collected, comprising four predominant species, each represented by three samples. The sample batches were characterised through ultimate and proximate analysis. An assembly of licensed buying companies and local farmers was also held to collect data on annual cocoa production and other socioeconomic factors that may influence the production, availability, and management of cocoa.

Using a social class system and an energy consumption model, the electrical power requirements for Edwenase at a household level were estimated. The study showed that the CPH possesses a high heating value of 18.28 MJ/kg, which is comparable to that of widely used feedstocks, such as wood, bagasse, rice husk, and straw. With fewer heritage farmers, the total electricity that can be generated per year is 80,772 kWh, with an average contribution of 198.12 kWh per participating farmer. The low levels of nitrogen and sulfur observed, together with the high heating value, suggest that CPHs are eco-friendly feedstock that can be used to power rural communities in Ghana, which can help bridge the poverty gap between urban and rural areas.

Categorized as low-income users, CPHs produced in Edwenase have three times the potential to supply the community with electricity annually, as they only require 24,300 kWh at the household level. It is a green approach that will be effective in managing and controlling the waste residue problem in Edwenase.

Keywords: Biochemical process, biopower, valorisation, waste management

Contact Address: Faithful Finney Adubofour, Czech University of Life Sciences, Department of Food and BioResource Technology, Cerneho 427/6, 18200 Praha 8 - střížkov, Czech Republic, e-mail: adubofourftz.czu.cz