Ghana has taken a significant step towards renewable energy by commissioning a 50 MW solar plant in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region. This project, developed by Bui Power Authority (BPA) in partnership with First Sky Limited, underscores the government’s commitment to expanding the country’s renewable energy infrastructure and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. This initiative is part of a broader plan to develop 500 MW of solar capacity across the nation, aligning with Ghana’s target to achieve 10% of its national energy mix from renewable sources by 2030.
Details of the Ghana Solar Plant
The solar plant, which is expected to generate approximately 100 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annually, will play a crucial role in meeting the energy needs of the Yendi Municipality and its surrounding areas. BPA has already signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to facilitate the distribution of this renewable energy to consumers. The plant, covering 140 acres of land, is the first wholly-owned Ghanaian renewable energy initiative and the second-largest solar project in the country, following the 55MW Solar PV Project at Bui. Notably, all experts involved in the project are Ghanaians, marking a milestone in indigenous participation in renewable energy.
This solar project, developed under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) agreement worth $59 million, aligns with the government’s broader strategy to diversify Ghana’s energy mix. This initiative is particularly significant given the country’s reliance on hydroelectric and thermal power, which have proven vulnerable to fluctuations in rainfall and global energy markets.
BPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, highlighted the importance of the Yendi solar plant during the commissioning ceremony. He noted that the project is part of BPA’s mandate to increase the contribution of renewable energy to Ghana’s national energy mix. Dzamesi emphasized that the plant would not only enhance energy security but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions.
Community Engagement and Future Plans for Ghana Solar Plant
The Yendi solar project has been well received by the local community, which has actively participated in the planning and implementation phases. BPA has engaged local stakeholders through consultations and awareness campaigns, ensuring that the project meets the needs of the community while minimizing any potential negative impacts.
BPA has also launched a comprehensive compensation and resettlement program to address any disruptions caused by the project. This program has provided financial compensation to affected households and facilitated the relocation of those displaced by the construction of the solar plant.
Looking ahead, BPA plans to expand the Yendi solar project by an additional 50 MW, bringing the total capacity to 100 MW. This expansion is part of the authority’s broader goal to increase Ghana’s renewable energy capacity to 500 MW by 2025. BPA is currently conducting feasibility studies for solar projects in other regions, including Sissala East in the Upper West Region and Buipe and Tuna in the Savannah Region. For more information on Ghana’s solar energy market, you can visit PVKnowhow.
Ghana’s Renewable Energy Goals and the Ghana Solar Plant
The Yendi solar project is just one example of Ghana’s growing commitment to renewable energy. In recent years, the government has implemented several policies to promote the development of clean energy sources. The Renewable Energy Act of 2011, for instance, provides a legal framework for the promotion, development, and utilization of renewable energy in Ghana.
In addition to solar power, Ghana is also exploring other renewable energy sources such as wind, biomass, and small-scale hydroelectric projects. The government has set an ambitious target to achieve 10% renewable energy in the national energy mix by 2030, which would significantly reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
The Yendi solar project represents a major milestone in Ghana’s renewable energy journey. By investing in clean energy, the country is not only addressing its own energy needs but also contributing to the global fight against climate change. As more renewable energy projects come online, Ghana is poised to become a leader in sustainable energy development in Africa.