President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has on 4th February cut the sod for the construction of two solar power plants in Kaleo and Lawra, under the 17 MW peak solar power project.
According to Akufo-Addo, this project reaffirms the commitment of his government to diversify the country’s energy generation portfolio, and, thereby, help increase the renewable energy component of Ghana’s energy mix, contributing to her fight against the effects of climate change.
With the solar project coming on the heels of the construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam and Irrigation Project, the 17 MW project is being funded by the German Government’s Development Bank, KfW, at a cost of €22.8m ($25m).
He stated that the project will see to the construction of a 13 MW peak project in Kaleo and a 4 MW peak project in Lawra.
“This will help Ghana avoid an estimated 7,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year; making our country a cleaner place to live in,” Akufo-Addo said.
He continued: “The project at Lawra is scheduled to be completed in June this year, with the one in Kaleo also scheduled to be completed by December this year. When finished, both projects will generate enough energy to power some 32,000 households, and increase the geographic spread of power generation in the country.”
First grid-connected solar power plant in Upper West Region
These solar power plants, the first of its kind in the Upper West Region, would mean that this Region also has its fair share of power generation assets in the country.
“The plants will also reduce the amount of energy that would have been transmitted from the hydro and thermal plants located in the south, and, thereby, help reduce transmission losses on our national grid. It will also create employment for our youth during the construction and operation stages of the project,” the President added.
Having been assured by the Volta River Authority (VRA) that, just as is being done at the 2.5 MW peak plant at Navrongo, the 17 MW peak solar plants will be operated and maintained by Ghanaians living in the region.
“I am looking forward to educational institutions in the Upper West Region bringing their students to see the practical demonstration of an operational solar plant. Students will have the opportunity to do their internships and National Service at these plants, thus, increasing their knowledge in the field of solar energy”, he said.
Tertiary institutions, President Akufo-Addo noted, can also collaborate with the VRA to undertake research in areas that will improve the efficiency and sustainability of the plant, amongst others.
“We should get our next generation of solar energy experts from this region,” he added.
Whilst commending the Ministries of Finance and Energy and, in particular, the Volta River Authority for the roles they have played in bringing this project to fruition, the President told the contractor “you have no reason to delay the timely execution of this project.”
