Accra, Ghana – In a move to increase its use of clean energy, Ghana has unveiled the biggest floating solar power plant in West Africa. The new project, which is already generating electricity, is located on the Black Volta River and adds 5 megawatts to the country’s renewable energy capacity.
The solar plant was designed and built by local engineers from the Bui Power Authority (BPA). It is part of Ghana’s plan to raise its renewable energy share from just 1% to 10% by the year 2030. The plant uses solar panels that float on water, helping to save land space and reduce water evaporation.
Peter Acheampong, Deputy Director of Renewable Energy at BPA, confirmed the plant is now working and shared plans for expansion. “There are plans to scale it up to about 65 megawatts,” he said.
Ghana’s efforts in renewable energy go beyond this single project. In 2020, BPA also completed a 50-megawatt solar farm. Together, the two projects cost about $48 million and are helping to diversify the country’s energy sources.
Across Ghana, other solar plants are already in use. These include the Kaleo (13 megawatts), Lawra (6.5 megawatts), and Navrongo (2.5 megawatts) solar power plants. The total cost of these three projects was €50.8 million.
Private companies are also contributing. Helios Solar Energy recently completed Africa’s largest rooftop solar project—a 16.82-megawatt plant—funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) with $17 million.
BPA has plans to build more solar projects in the north of Ghana, with six locations identified: Bawku, Yendi, Tumu, Sawla, Buipe, and Zebilla.
Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Jinapor, said the government is focused on renewable energy, including solar, wind, and mini-hydro power. “To support our growing economy and development, Ghana is prioritising solar, wind, and mini-hydro projects,” he stated.
He also announced the upcoming Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund. The fund will help support research, create solar solutions for public use, and reduce power costs for government institutions.
According to Jinapor, Ghana has the natural resources to succeed in green energy. “With plenty of sunshine, a long coastline, and several rivers, we are well positioned to use solar, wind, and hydro power to meet our energy needs,” he added.
