Ghana’s Bui Power Authority (BPA) and the grid operator are joining forces to construct a new 50 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm in Dagbon, northern Ghana. The project aims to enhance electricity distribution and is expected to be completed by year-end. BPA CEO Samuel Kofi Dzamesi announced the plans, highlighting the positive impact on renewable energy generation in the country.
Improved Energy Infrastructure and Growing Electricity Supply
The upcoming solar PV farm in Dagbon will play a crucial role in bolstering Ghana’s electricity supply. Alongside hydro, solar, natural gas, and thermal energy sources, the country is also eyeing the integration of nuclear power in the coming decades. The project signifies Ghana’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix and ensuring sustainable development for its citizens.
To support the growing renewable energy sector, Ghana plans to expand its hydropower projects. Consultant feasibility studies are underway for additional hydropower sites, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Tano rivers, as well as the Wli waterfall. These initiatives aim to complement the existing Bui hydro capacity and contribute to the stability of the national grid.
Integration of Solar PV and Hydropower
Ghana’s Bui hydropower facility has taken a pioneering step by incorporating a floating solar power plant, creating the country’s first hydro-solar hybrid (HSH) system. The BPA has already completed the construction of a 50 MW solar PV facility and commissioned a 5 MW floating solar plant, the first of its kind in the West African sub-region. The solar PV installations will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also conserve water in the dam through reduced evaporation.
Huawei, in collaboration with the BPA, has provided critical technological solutions for the effective operation of Ghana’s energy infrastructure. The company’s smart PV solutions and battery energy storage systems (BESS) ensure stable power output, even during periods of low water levels or fluctuating solar generation. Additionally, Huawei’s smart grid technology, based on an evolved long-term evolution (eLTE) private network solution, enables seamless communication and coordination between control offices and on-site teams.
Ghana’s Progress Towards Universal Access to Electricity
Ghana is making progress in achieving universal access to electricity. With a diversified energy mix, the country aims to provide electricity to all its citizens within 18 months. Currently, 85.9% of the population has access to electricity, and the government is working to increase this figure further. Alongside expanding energy infrastructure, Ghana plans to harness the reservoir created by the Bui dam for fishing and irrigation, promoting local farming and generating additional employment opportunities.
In overall, the upcoming solar farm in Dagbon Ghana and the expansion of hydropower projects will enhance electricity distribution and contribute to Ghana’s goal of universal access to electricity. With a diversified energy mix and the integration of innovative technologies, Ghana is on track to achieve sustainable energy development and foster economic growth.
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