The Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Mines commends Ghanaian expertise in constructing a $59m solar farm at Galga. The 50-megawatt solar farm was constructed using local expertise.
The project was completed and connected to the national grid.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy and Mines, Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, described the move as evidence of Ghana’s capacity to deliver major energy infrastructure projects using local expertise. He was impressed that Ghanaian professionals and workers undertook the project. The project provides employment opportunities for young people in the area.
The solar farm is part of Ghana’s efforts to diversify its energy mix through renewable energy sources. The need to expand alternative sources of power has become increasingly important amid challenges associated with hydroelectric generation. The facility will contribute to electricity generation and supply in the northern sector.
Mr Bedzrah commended the Bui Power Authority and First Sky Limited for mobilising financial resources to execute the project. He called for increased investment in solar energy. The relevant authorities must ensure adequate security at the facility and prevent livestock from straying into the solar farm and damaging its installations.
The project was executed under an engineering, procurement and construction arrangement, which also required the company to mobilise funding. The works covered the solar farm, a 161-kilovolt substation, a control room, road infrastructure and other facilities needed to connect the plant to the national grid.
Technical testing was completed on September 11, while commercial operations commenced on September 29, this year.