Ghana has launched West Africa’s largest floating solar power project. It marks a big step in increasing clean energy use.
The 5-megawatt plant is located on the Black Volta River. It was designed and built by engineers from the Bui Power Authority (BPA).
This floating solar project supports Ghana’s National Energy Plan. The country wants to grow renewable energy use to 10 per cent by 2030.
Currently, renewable energy contributes just 1 per cent to Ghana’s power mix. The goal is to increase this tenfold in six years.
The floating panels use space on water instead of land. This saves land, boosts efficiency, and helps reduce water evaporation.
“We have completed the 5-megawatt project, and it is already generating power,” said Peter Acheampong, BPA’s Deputy Director of Renewable Energy.
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Plans for Expansion and Future Growth
Acheampong also spoke about the next steps. “There are plans to scale it up to approximately 65 megawatts. At BPA, our expansion efforts are guided by the country’s renewable energy master plan,” he explained.
The floating solar project is part of BPA’s wider green energy efforts. In 2020, BPA launched a 50-megawatt solar farm.
Together, the floating and land-based solar plants cost about US$48 million. They help diversify Ghana’s energy sources and lower emissions.
Ghana has also built other solar plants in different regions. These include Kaleo (13 megawatts), Lawra (6.5 megawatts), and Navrongo (2.5 megawatts).
These three projects cost €50.8 million and are fully operational.
BPA plans to build more solar projects in six northern locations. These are Bawku, Yendi, Tumu, Sawla, Buipe, and Zebilla.
Ghana is leading the way in clean energy innovation in West Africa. The floating solar project is a bold and timely solution.