Ghana’s power generation company, Volta River Authority (VRA) is in the process of constructing 150MW wind power as part of its renewable energy drive.
The wind power project which is to be located in the Keta and Ada Municipalities respectively is expected to be part of VRA’s medium term plan.
Chief Executive Officer of Volta River Authority [VRA], Ing Emmanuel Antwi Darkwa disclosed this during the just ended 5th Ghana Renewable Energy Fair and Natural Energy Symposium in Accra, capital of Ghana.
“We also look forward to developing Ghana’s first wind power project. It is our anticipation that, we would successfully complete the 150MW wind power project, to be located in the Keta and Ada Municipalities in the short to medium term. We also intend next year to develop a pilot floating solar project on the Kpong Hydroelectric Dam Headpond at Akuse to test the feasibility and adequacy of the operation of this technology in Ghana,” he said.
The five day programme was under the theme; ‘Opportunities for Renewable and Energy Efficiency in a Constrained Energy Sector’.
He said renewable energy development will continue to be a game-changer in Ghana’s energy sector.
‘’Our corporate strategy therefore places significant focus on ensuring development in a sustainable manner. This includes the development and introduction of clean and environmentally friendly forms of energy into the country’s generation portfolio’’.
He made a clarion call for the need to address issues of climate change, energy efficiency, reliability and availability of affordable but competitively-priced power which remains very critical if Ghana’s commitment to accelerate its economic transformation agenda is to be realized.
Mr. Antwi Darkwa also challenged participants of the Conference and Exhibition to also deliberate on the general and obvious challenges inherent in the sector as a whole, as well as the opportunities presented by renewable energy as the theme for the Fair suggests.
‘’ Even though emphasis of this gathering is on renewable energy, it may be necessary during the period of this fair to also deliberate on the challenges and opportunities within the sector’’ he pointed out.
The deployment of large scale renewable energy also brings obvious technical challenges such as the rationalization of the operation of the grid and also sufficient investments in the grid network both at the transmission and distribution levels.
Though it may not be pressing at this early stage of our renewable energy development, he recommended that it is necessary to begin the design of the appropriate solutions with some forward planning.
He was hopeful the conference would afford stakeholders in the energy sector the opportunity to engage in intense and open discussions, shared knowledge and insights as well as bring to the fore, the numerous opportunities and benefits available to Ghanaians and also the economy in the renewable energy space.
‘’Renewable energy, the VRA Boss confidently mentioned can and should ultimately support the Government’s Ghana beyond Aid Agenda’’.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com