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May, 2013 News
VRA Inaugurates first Solar Power Plant
The Volta River Authority, on the 9th of May, 2013, made history in Ghana's energy sector as it inaugurated its first Solar Power Plant, at an event themed, "Building a sustainable power sector: The role of renewable energy sources", at Navrongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
Present at the occasion were His Excellency, Mr. John Dramani Mahama - President of the Republic of Ghana; the Upper East Regional Minister - Honourable Alhaji Limuna Mohammed-Muniru; the Minister of Energy and Petroleum - Honourable E.A.K Buah; Chiefs and traditional rulers from Navrongo and surrounding towns. Present also were the Chief Executive of VRA - Mr. Kweku A. Awotwi and other Executives and Management of VRA.
The Navrongo Solar Power Plant, a 2 MW facility, is the largest grid PV plant in West Africa besides those in Cape Verde. The Navrongo Solar Plant would ultimately be expanded to 2.5 MW.
The plant which costs USD 8,082,025 and financed by the Volta River Authority will create jobs in the local community, serve as a tourist attraction and improve energy security and diversification of the spatial location of power plants.
OWNERS
- Volta River Authority
PROJECT FINANCING
- Volta River Authority
- KfW
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
- Volta River Authority
- Lahmeyer International
PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS
- China Wind Power
The VRA is committed to the development of renewable energy, particularly wind and solar energy, as these energy sources are economically competitive compared to fuel fossils. Undoubtedly, renewable energy would play an increasingly vital role in the power generation mix over the next century.
In line with the national policy direction and the VRA’s vision of setting the standard for public sector excellence, the VRA has embarked on a Renewable Energy Policy to develop and operate renewable plants in an efficient, cost effective and environmentally sustainable manner.
In support of this policy the VRA has undertaken the following measures since 2010:
- Setting up of a 5-year renewable capacity projection.
- Deployment of renewable plants at both grid connected and mini-grid (isolated) systems based on local need, resource availability and cost effectiveness.
- Establishment of a mixed renewable portfolio – wind, mini hydro, solar- in various locations within the country covering the available renewable resources in those locations.
- Developing a differentiated renewable product to wholesale customers.
To achieve these targets a Renewable Development Programme Phase 1 (REDP1) was initiated aimed at developing about 160 MW of installed renewable energy capacity over a period of five years ( 2010 – 2015). The programme consists of the following components:
- Wind Power Phase 1 (150 MW)
- Solar Power Phase 1 (14 MW)
- Renewable Energy Planning and Development Integration
- Feasibility studies for small hydro plants
In other news (May, 2013)
- VRA supports hole-in-heart child.
- CPPCC Vice Chairman Visits Akosombo Hydro-Electric Power Plant.
- VRA holds 3rd edition of Top 100 Conference.
- Akosombo International School holds second annual graduation.
- VRA's Health Services Department receives eye equipment and ancillary facilities.
- VRA's Kwasi Aniagyei elected President of the Ghana Association of Quasi-Health Institutions (GAQHI).
- VRA PSWU of TUC holds quadrennial delegates congress.
