In what is set to be a significant step in increasing the national renewable energy capacity, Ghana has just launched 5MW Black Volta Solar Project. This solar project is now West Africa’s largest floating solar project. The west African country aims to increase its share of renewable energy from the current 1% to 10% by the year 2030.
The pioneering 5MW floating solar installation is located at the Black Volta River. Additionally, the solar project was engineered by Ghanaian engineers from Bui Power Authority (BPA). This ambitious innovative outlines the commitment of Ghana to leveraging clean energy and reduce its overall carbon footprint.
5MW Black Volta Solar Project Factsheet
- The project is situated on the Black Volta River, specifically on the reservoir of the Bui hydroelectric dam.
Capacity:
- The initial phase is a 5-megawatt (MW) floating solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
- There are plans for expansion, with goals to increase the capacity significantly. Reports indicate plans to expand up to 65MW.
- It is also reported that the 5MW pilot PV array is the first section of a floating PV project with a total capacity of 250MW, which will be implemented in blocks of 50MW.
Developer:
- Bui Power Authority (BPA).
Significance:
- It’s considered West Africa’s largest floating solar project.
- It’s a significant step towards Ghana’s goal of increasing its renewable energy capacity.
- Also, it contributes to Ghana’s National Energy Plan, which aims to increase renewable energy penetration to 10% by 2030.
- It is part of a Hydro-Solar Hybrid system.
Technology:
- The project utilizes floating photovoltaic modules on the water’s surface.
- This technology offers advantages such as:
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- Efficient land use.
- Increased solar panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of the water.
- Reduced water evaporation.
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Also read: Construction of Ghana’s First Nuclear Power Plant
Integration:
- The floating solar plant is integrated with the existing 404 MW Bui hydroelectric dam, creating a hybrid energy system.
- Also, a 30MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has been installed to provide backup power to mitigate the intermittencies associated with solar.
Significance:
- Diversifies Ghana’s energy mix.
- Reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
- Contributes to environmental sustainability.
- Lastly, it creates job opportunities.
Also read: Mali Commences Construction of West Africa’s Largest Solar Plant
Significance of the Project
This floating solar project is seen as a groundbreaking solution that utilises photovoltaic modules on water bodies. Furthermore, it optimises land use while enhancing efficiency of solar panels.
Also, it helps in water conservation by reducing evaporation from the surface. This technology is helpful as it can be deployed on ponds, reservoirs, and other water bodies.
The Project a Part of Ghana’s National Energy Plan
The successful of this floating solar project, is in line with Ghana’s National Energy Plan. Furthermore, this plan supports the increasing of renewable energy penetration by 10% by the year 2030.
Lastly, the Deputy Director of Renewable Energy of Bui Power Authority, Peter Acheampong, said, “We have just completed the 5MW project and it is generating power.”
Also read: Ghana Inaugurates Africa’s Largest Rooftop Solar Plant in Tema: First of its Kind
