GHANA has officially commissioned West Africa’s largest floating solar power plant, a major milestone in the country’s transition toward renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The 5-megawatt facility, located on the Black Volta River, was developed by Ghanaian engineers at the Bui Power Authority (BPA) and is now fully operational.
The innovative solar project is part of Ghana’s ambitious effort to increase renewable energy’s share from just 1 percent to 10percent by 2030, in line with the country’s National Energy Plan.
‘We have completed the 5-megawatt project, and it is already generating power,’ confirmed Peter Acheampong, Deputy Director of Renewable Energy at BPA.
Innovation on water
The floating solar installation uses photovoltaic panels deployed on the surface of a water body. This design not only preserves land for agriculture or habitation but also improves panel efficiency by cooling them with water. Additionally, it reduces evaporation from the reservoir, conserving water in the process.
Acheampong revealed that plans are underway to scale the plant to 65 megawatts, saying, ‘At BPA, our expansion efforts are guided by Ghana’s renewable energy master plan.’
Solar growth beyond Bui
Ghana has already made meaningful progress in scaling solar power. Prior to this, the BPA had commissioned a 50MW ground-mounted solar plant in 2020, contributing significantly to the national grid. Together, these two BPA projects have required an investment of US$48 million.
Elsewhere in the country, three other state-backed solar plants have been successfully commissioned:
- Kaleo Solar Power Plant – 13MW
- Lawra Solar Plant – 6.5MW
- Navrongo Solar Plant – 2.5MW
These projects, collectively costing €50.8 million, are enhancing energy access in underserved regions and diversifying the national energy mix.
Private investment in solar is also rising. Notably, Helios Solar Energy recently launched Africa’s largest rooftop solar installation, a 16.82MW photovoltaic plant funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) at a cost of $17 million.
Northern expansion and green transition
Looking ahead, BPA has identified six new locations in northern Ghana — Bawku, Yendi, Tumu, Sawla, Buipe, and Zebilla — for future solar projects. These initiatives will further cement Ghana’s strategy to harness its abundant solar radiation and diversify its renewable energy portfolio.
John Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition, reaffirmed government commitment to the cause, stating:
‘To support our expanding economy and drive sustainable development, Ghana is prioritising solar, wind, and mini-hydro projects as part of our broader energy transition plan.’
He also announced the establishment of a Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund, which will support local green innovation, research, and affordable clean energy solutions for institutions and communities.
A bright future for Ghana’s energy mix
Ghana’s natural geography places it in an ideal position to benefit from solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy sources. The country’s push toward renewables is not only a response to rising global energy demand and climate change concerns but also a strategic move to lower carbon emissions, create jobs, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
As Ghana positions itself as a clean energy leader in West Africa, projects like the floating solar plant at Bui offer a glimpse into how innovation and ambition are reshaping the continent’s energy future — one solar panel at a time.
