The Bui Power Authority (BPA) in Ghana is marking a major milestone in its renewable energy journey with significant progress on its 250 MWp solar park project. This development builds on the successful completion of an initial 50 MWp solar park and is a key component of BPA’s ambitious strategy to develop 400 MW of solar capacity by 2025, with a long-term goal of reaching 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy.
BPA 250 MWp Ghana solar park Project Updates
The Bui Power Authority (BPA) is accelerating the construction of its 250 MWp solar park project, a pivotal move in expanding Ghana’s renewable energy portfolio. According to a report from Afrik21, the new solar park is being developed on a 400-hectare site in Bui, located in the Bono region. This expansion follows the successful commissioning of the first 50 MWp phase in November 2021.
The initial phase, which added 50 MWp to the national grid, was constructed over 12 months at a cost of $48 million, funded entirely through BPA’s internal resources. The success of this phase has provided the momentum for the current, more ambitious expansion.
The new solar park will feature a dedicated control room and a 161/34.5 kV substation, essential infrastructure for efficiently transmitting the generated electricity to the national grid. BPA has already completed the 161 kV evacuation bay, which links the solar park to the Bui switchyard. This connection is crucial for integrating the clean energy from the solar panels into the Ghanaian power grid, contributing to the overall Ghana solar capacity which has seen impressive growth.
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BPA 250 MWp Ghana solar park Project Funding and Support
BPA’s expansion has successfully attracted significant international financial support. The Abu Dhabi Export Office (ADEX), the financial arm of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), has provided a $35 million loan to the authority. This funding is instrumental in helping BPA move closer to its 2025 target of 400 MW of solar capacity and reflects a broader strategy to support sustainable energy projects in emerging markets.
The World Bank is also a key partner, having signed a $3 million grant agreement with BPA to support the solar park’s construction. This grant is aligned with the World Bank’s global mission to promote renewable energy adoption in developing nations.
However, the project is not without public debate. While it represents a major step in renewable development, it is also linked to a new commercial initiative involving an amusement park and hotel. This has sparked discussion around energy allocation, especially given BPA’s existing financial challenges. Critics raise concerns that dedicating stable power to this venture could impact availability for other communities and industries, potentially affecting grid stability amid Ghana’s ongoing power supply issues, known locally as “Dumsor.”
BPAโs Solar Park Project: Boosting Renewable Energy in Ghana
Despite the debates, BPA’s solar park project is a cornerstone of Ghana’s national effort to increase its renewable energy share and meet its climate change commitments. The country has set ambitious targets, and large-scale projects like this are vital for achieving the planned 500 MW power boost from renewables.
This solar park is just one element of BPA’s diverse renewable energy strategy. The authority is also a pioneer in other green technologies, notably launching West Africa’s largest floating solar project on the Bui reservoir. By exploring solar, wind, and hydropower, BPA aims to create a resilient and stable energy supply for Ghana. The development of such utility-scale farms is a critical part of the overall Ghana solar report, complementing other initiatives like mini-grid applications designed to electrify rural communities.
The expansion of the solar park is expected to provide a reliable source of clean energy, reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, and help lower greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the project is anticipated to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the Bono region.
The BPA solar park project stands as a major milestone in Ghana’s clean energy transition. With the backing of international partners like ADEX and the World Bank, BPA is advancing toward its 1,000 MW renewable energy goal, positioning itself as a key player in shaping a sustainable energy future for the country.
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