Ghana, BPA Unveil $48M Floating Solar Project

Key Figures & Findings: Ghana has commissioned West Africa’s largest floating solar power plant—an ambitious 5MW  installation designed and executed by local engineers under the Bui Power Authority (BPA). The system floats on the Black Volta River, showcasing a dual innovation in land use and climate adaptation, with reduced evaporation and improved panel efficiency. BPA’s Deputy Director of Renewable Energy, Peter Acheampong, confirmed the plant is now generating electricity and emphasized the authority’s broader vision to scale up to 65 megawatts under Ghana’s Renewable Energy Master Plan. The $48 million combined investment in the floating and land-based solar plants underlines a growing domestic capacity for clean infrastructure led by Ghanaian expertise.

Statistics & Insights: Ghana’s other solar assets includes Kaleo (13MW), Lawra (6.5MW), and Navrongo (2.5MW)—cost €50.8 million collectively. Helios Solar Energy also launched a $17 million, 16.82MW rooftop solar plant with IFC support.

Future Implications: BPA’s plan to expand the floating facility to 65MW could significantly boost Ghana’s solar output by 2026. This initiative could be replicated across Africa’s inland water bodies, providing sustainable energy while conserving land and water resources.

Source: RFI