Ghana commissions first hydro-solar hybrid power generating system in West Africa

Ghana's President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has inaugurated the country's first hydro-solar hybrid power generation plant, which comprises a 5MW floating solar photovoltaic system, which is also the first in the West African subregion. This is the first phase of a 250MWp solar project that will be implemented in 50MWp increments.

While floating photovoltaic technology is still in its infancy, a journal published by renewable energy researchers demonstrates the immense potential for hybridizing existing hydropower plants on the African continent. According to the study, solar panels floating on the lakes of Africa's hydropower dams could be a significant new power source.

President Akufo-Addo stated that the project demonstrates Ghana's commitment to diversifying its energy generation portfolio and increasing the share of renewable energy in the country's energy mix. When finished, the project will add 250 megawatts of power to the 404-megawatt hydroelectric dam at Bui Generating Station.

Highlights of Ghana

GDP: $72.35 billion as at 2020

Population: 30.8 million as at 2021

Access to electricity: 80% as at 2018

Renewable energy (% of TFEC): 42% as at 2018