Bui Power Authority to add 250MW solar farm to its operations

pulse-ghana admin

June 28, 2017 2:32 PM

According to Fred Oware, the aim of the plant would be achieved in installments with the first batch –50 megawatts- scheduled to join the energy stream by the second quarter of 2018.

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The Bui Power Authority has announced plans to set up a 250-megawatt solar farm as part of its efforts to generate electricity for the country.

This was revealed by Fred Oware, the chief executive officer of the power generation entity. The introduction of solar power into the Bui’s operational mix is under the scheme: “Bui Hydro-Solar Hybrid Scheme”.

However, construction of the solar farm is set to begin in July 2017, Graphic Online reports.

“According to Mr Oware, the project would be funded by private sector partners who had signed a 15-year build, operate and transfer (BOT) contract with the authority.

Mr Oware said the switch yard of the Bui generating station had been expanded to accommodate solar power installations, while the workers were being trained for the new project. He said the hydro-solar hybrid scheme was to explore opportunities and advantages that existed with a combined cycle of hydro and solar power generation,” the report adds.

The rest (200 megawatts) would also be installed in four batches over time.

Analysis

The Bui Power Authority was initially set up by an Act of Parliament to manage the Bui hydroelectric dam. By venturing into solar energy, it is feeding into the country’s target to produce 10 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources, such as wind, solar and biogas by 2030.

pulse-ghana admin