Helios Solar Company completed Africa's largest single rooftop solar PV project in the Tema Free Zone Enclave, supplying 16.82 megawatts of energy. This achievement highlights their commitment to advancing renewable energy in Africa and supporting Ghana's industrialisation efforts.
Africa's Largest Rooftop Solar Project Takes Shape
Helios Solar Company, a subsidiary of the Ghanaian conglomerate LMI Holdings has marked a significant achievement in the continent's renewable energy sector. The company recently celebrated the completion of Africa's largest single-rooftop solar PV project.
The project was officially commissioned by the Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Hon. Herbert Krapa, on July 25th, 2024. This milestone underscores Helios Solar's commitment to driving the transition to clean energy solutions in Africa, with a particular focus on supporting Ghana's industrialisation goals.
The project is strategically located in the Tema Free Zone Enclave. It is designed to supply 16.82 megawatts of energy to Enclave Power Company, another subsidiary of LMI Holdings. This massive solar installation represents not just a milestone for Helios Solar but also a crucial step forward for Ghana's renewable energy infrastructure.
A Boost to Ghana’s Industrialisation and Sustainability
This project is more than just a solar plant; it is a testament to Ghana's ongoing efforts to industrialise sustainably. The funding for this project is part of a $30 million facility from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), earmarked for providing clean power and water. The IFC’s investment is designed to support job creation; foster greener and more sustainable industrial development; and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
Helios Solar's new plant is expected to make a significant impact on Ghana's environmental landscape. The solar PV plant will reduce the country's emissions by approximately 13,000 tons of CO2 equivalent annually. This reduction is a key component of Ghana's broader strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change and move towards a more sustainable future.
The sheer scale of the project is impressive. The rooftop solar project involved the installation of 29,262 solar panels. These panels, which utilise the latest N-type technology, cover a massive area of 95,754 square meters at the International Warehousing Company Mega Warehouse in the Tema Free Zone. The use of this advanced technology ensures that the plant is not only highly efficient but also capable of generating a significant amount of clean electricity.
The solar plant is expected to produce 24,750 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean, stable, and sustainable electricity each year. This amount of power is equivalent to the annual consumption of 55,000 homes, highlighting the plant's capacity to contribute significantly to Ghana's energy needs.
Local Expertise and Job Creation
The success of this project can be attributed to the combined expertise of Ghanaian-based firms Dutch and Co. (D&C) and Blossom Enbel Ventures (BEVL). These firms served as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors for the project, handling the photovoltaic (PV) systems and grid interconnection respectively.
In addition to providing clean energy, the project has also had a positive impact on the local economy. A total of 128 Ghanaian nationals were directly employed during the implementation of the project, underscoring its role in job creation and economic development.
The $30 million loan from the IFC is part of a larger $50 million investment aimed at developing not just the solar farm but also a water treatment plant. The solar PV plant is designed to provide power to businesses operating within the Tema Free Zones Enclave.
Helios Solar’s new rooftop solar project is a significant milestone in Ghana's renewable energy journey. It demonstrates the potential for large-scale clean energy projects to support industrial development while contributing to environmental sustainability. As Ghana continues to push towards a greener future, projects like this will be instrumental in shaping the country’s energy landscape for years to come.