Provide a short academic and concise feedback on this research idea of a student. Word count to be about 120.

Title: Integrating Offshore Wind Energy into Ghana's Upstream Petroleum Sector: A Sustainable Solution for Western Region's Crude Oil Production Decline.

Research Problem Background

Ghana's upstream oil industry, especially in the Western Region, is facing a steady decline in production. According to the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), output has fallen from 71.4 million barrels in 2019 to 48.2 million in 2023, representing four consecutive years of decline (PIAC, 2023). This is mainly due to mature offshore oil fields such as Jubilee, Tweneboa-Enyenra-Ntomme (TEN), and Sankofa Gye-Nyame (SGN), underinvestment in exploration, and technical/infrastructure issues (Business & Financial Times, 2022). Ghana's oil industry is also impacted by the global energy transition and increasing investor focus on renewables, heightening the urgency to diversify energy sources (PIAC, 2023).

Proposed Research Idea

My proposed research investigates the integration of offshore wind energy with crude oil production infrastructure in the Western Region of Ghana, focusing on offshore drilling towns such as Sekondi Takoradi. These coastal hubs are strategic due to their proximity to offshore production platforms and their potential for hosting hybrid energy systems. The study will evaluate how wind energy can reduce carbon emissions, support platform operations, and contribute to Ghana's net-zero targets while revitalising offshore output.

Motivation and Relevance

As an energy enthusiast, I find this topic interesting because it addresses an urgent sustainability issue in renewable energy transition and energy policy. The idea is inspired by the Texas and North Sea models, where wind farms support offshore oil operations, a synergy that could be adapted to Ghana's context (Debrah, 2022; Legorburu, Johnson and Kerr, 2018).

Research Scope and Methodology

My study will adopt a descriptive and exploratory design, drawing on secondary data from PIAC, energy reports, and policy frameworks. I will assess:

• The technical feasibility of installing offshore wind farms in identified coastal zones.
• Legal and policy gaps in renewable integration within Ghana's petroleum sector.
• The economic and social impacts on coastal communities, including fisheries.

Although studies on wind energy in Ghana exist, preliminary research suggests a gap in studies on hybrid wind-oil energy systems, making this a timely and valuable area of inquiry to contribute to the discourse on Ghana's energy transition.