By:Rfi

The pioneering 5-megawatt floating solar installation is situated on the Black Volta River and was engineered by Ghanaian engineers from the Bui Power Authority (BPA). This innovative project showcases Ghana's commitment to leveraging clean energy and reducing its carbon footprint.

The floating solar power plant is a groundbreaking solution that utilises photovoltaic modules on water bodies, optimising land use while enhancing the efficiency of the solar panels.

Additionally, it helps conserve water by reducing evaporation from the surface. This technology can be deployed on ponds, lakes, reservoirs, or other water bodies.

The successful completion of this project aligns with Ghana’s National Energy Plan, supporting the goal of increasing renewable energy penetration by 10% by 2030.

Deputy Director of Renewable Energy at the Bui Power Authority, Peter Acheampong, stated “We have completed the 5-megawatt project, and it is already generating power.”

Acheampong further revealed plans to expand the floating solar project: “There are plans to scale it up to approximately 65 megawatts. At BPA, our expansion efforts are guided by the country's renewable energy master plan,” he explained.

The Bui Power Authority (BPA) has made remarkable progress in the renewable energy sector. Before the floating solar project, the BPA commissioned its solar farm in 2020, which is generating 50 megawatts of power. The two projects cost US$48 million.