Akufo-Addo cuts sod for 17mw solar plant in Kaleo, Lawra
President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the construction of two solar power plants in Kaleo and Lawra, all in the Upper West Region.
These solar power plants, the first of its kind in the region, forms part of the seventeen (17) megawatt peak solar power project.
The project is expected to reduce the amount of energy that would have been transmitted from the hydro and thermal plants located in the south.
It will also create employment for our youth during the construction and operation stages of the project.
According to the President, this project reaffirms his commitment to diversifying the country’s energy generation portfolio.
This, he believes will help increase the renewable energy component of Ghana’s energy mix, and contribute to fighting the effects of climate change.
“With the solar project coming on the heels of the construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam and Irrigation Project, the 17-megawatt project is being funded by the German Government’s Development Bank, KfW, at a cost of €22.8 million, ” Presiden Akufo-Addo indicated.
He also mentioned that the project will “see to the construction of a 13-megawatt peak project in Kaleo and a 4-megawatt peak project in Lawra.
This, according to him will help Ghana avoid an estimated seven thousand, four hundred (7,400) tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year; making Ghana a cleaner place to live in.
He continued, “the project at Lawra is scheduled to be completed in June this year, with the one in Kaleo also scheduled to completed by December this year. When finished, both projects will generate enough energy to power some thirty-two thousand (32,000) households, and increase the geographic spread of power generation in the country.”
Having been assured by the Volta River Authority that, just as is being done at the 2.5-megawatt peak plant at Navrongo, the 17-megawatt peak solar plants will be operated and maintained by Ghanaians living in Kaleo and Lawra.
The President encouraged the youth in these areas to stand in preparedness for this wonderful opportunity.
“I am looking forward to educational institutions in the Upper West Region bringing their students to see the practical demonstration of an operational solar plant. Students will have the opportunity to do their internships and National Service at these plants, thus, increasing their knowledge in the field of solar energy”, he said.
Tertiary institutions, President Akufo-Addo noted, can also collaborate with the VRA to undertake research in areas that will improve the efficiency and sustainability of the plant, amongst others.
“We should get our next generation of solar energy experts from this region,” he added.
Whilst commending the Ministries of Finance, and Energy and, in particular, the Volta River Authority for the roles they have played in bringing this project to fruition, the President told the contractor “you have no reason to delay the timely execution of this project.”