BPA Develops 200MW of Solar Power Since 2020

The Bui Power Authority (BPA) has developed approximately 200 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar power capacity within its operational area since 2020, as part of efforts to boost Ghana’s renewable energy production and reduce dependence on conventional power sources.

The Authority has also completed a separate 50MWp solar power plant at Galgu in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region, marking its first solar project outside its traditional operational area.

BPA’s Manager for Corporate Communications, Mawuli Fui Kwadzovia, disclosed the developments during an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

He said the projects form part of the Authority’s broader strategy to expand clean energy infrastructure and contribute to Ghana’s changing energy needs.

Mr Kwadzovia explained that the Authority’s involvement in solar power development followed a parliamentary amendment to its enabling legislation, which extended its responsibilities beyond hydropower to cover other renewable and clean energy sources.

Since 2020, BPA has undertaken several solar projects under the expanded mandate, gradually increasing its contribution to the country’s electricity generation capacity.

The first phase, commissioned in 2021, included a 50MWp solar facility and a 1MWp floating solar installation on the Black Volta.

The floating solar project was introduced as a pilot initiative to assess the feasibility of generating electricity from panels installed on water. According to Mr Kwadzovia, the trial demonstrated that the technology could operate successfully.

In 2023, BPA expanded the floating installation by an additional 4MWp, bringing its total floating solar capacity on the Black Volta to 5MWp.

The Authority subsequently developed another 50MWp of solar capacity between 2023 and 2025. Further additions in 2026 have raised the total capacity within its operational area to approximately 200MWp.

The latest installations are expected to be commissioned into the national electricity grid soon, increasing available generation capacity and supporting Ghana’s transition towards cleaner energy.

The 50MWp solar facility at Galgu, in the Yendi Municipality, was completed at an estimated cost of US$50 million.

The project was executed under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction plus Financing (EPC+F) arrangement involving Ghanaian company First Sky Limited, which provided the financing and handled the project’s planning, installation and construction.

Mr Kwadzovia said the investment would be recovered through payments associated with the electricity generated by the facility, with the repayment period estimated at between five and seven years.

He acknowledged that solar power infrastructure requires significant initial capital but noted that its operating costs are generally lower than those of thermal power plants because it does not require continuous fuel purchases.

He added that renewable energy sources, including solar and hydropower, offer long-term cost advantages and environmental benefits.

The Galgu facility is expected to strengthen electricity supply in Yendi and surrounding communities along the Eastern Corridor, while extending BPA’s renewable energy operations beyond its established area of activity.

With the addition of the Yendi plant, the Authority’s overall solar portfolio stands at approximately 250MWp, comprising about 200MWp within its operational area and 50MWp at Galgu.

Benz_GH feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com