[ 2017-10-11 ]

Hybrid power stations to add 850MW to grid
Some 850 megawatts of power is expected to be
added to the national grid as the government
pursues an agenda to convert all hydro generating
stations into hybrid facilities, incorporating
solar energy into them.

According to the Minister for Energy, Boakye
Agyarko, the additional megawatts of power are
expected to be derived from three hybrid systems
which would include Bui, Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

Addressing Members of Parliament, he said: “Bui
Dam has already started converting to a
combination of solar and hydro to evacuate 250MW
onto the national grid. The main Akosombo Dam is
expected to house a solar facility of 500MW and
the Kpong Dam similarly will host a facility of
100MW. Indeed, VRA is designated to be the lead on
the expansion of solar facilities in the
country”.

The Energy Minister also disclosed that government
intends to incorporate renewable energy into the
energy mix for a number of public institutions,
including educational institutions.

“In that wise, a pilot programme has already
started in the University of Ghana, Legon, to
combine solar, waste, biomass with the utility.
Therefore, I made a commitment when I first
appeared in this house that this building of
Parliament will be headed for solar.

“In that wise, we have started taking the power
profiles of all your facilities in order to make
sure that early next year the House of Parliament
will begin to enjoy solar as a major component of
its power supply: as will the Flagstaff House, and
all the 36,000 Junior High Schools and 681 Senior
High School facilities.”

He however maintained that all these initiatives
will be promoted through the private investment
space.

To this end, government will soon access its share
of the US$2billion Renewable Energy Credit
Facility from the Indian government meant for
African countries, following parliament’s
ratification of the framework agreement on
establishment of the International Solar Alliance
(ISA).

The previous administration initiated a “Capital
Subsidy Scheme” that was expected to see some
20,000 rooftop solar systems installed in
residential homes.

Under the scheme, selected applicants will be
given a maximum of 500watt peak solar panels free
of charge, while they pay for the remainder
depending on what their total need is.

Due to increase in global energy demand and the
continuous usage of fossil fuels which is damaging
the environment, it is imperative that government
considers solar as an alternative to fossil
fuels.

Source - B&FT

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