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Phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant was formally opened by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in a historic event held in Kaleo. This marked an important milestone in Ghana’s renewable energy path.
This extension, which has a fifteen megawatt peak (15MWp) capacity, demonstrates Ghana’s dedication to utilizing renewable energy sources and creating a sustainable future for future generations.
In his speech, President Akufo-Addo underlined the value of renewable energy in promoting economic growth, reducing climate change, and guaranteeing energy security for all residents. The audience included dignitaries, chiefs, and members of the community.
He commended the joint efforts of all parties involved for their vital contributions to the project’s successful completion, including the project contractors, the German government, the Chiefs and people of the Nadowli-Kaleo traditional territory, and the Volta River Authority (VRA).
The President emphasized Kaleo’s strategic importance as a center for the development of renewable energy, pointing to the region’s abundance of natural resources, opportunity for investment, and ability to foster innovation.
In order to support the expansion of the country’s energy sector, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to encouraging green investments, advancing energy efficiency, and giving development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects first priority.
Phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant not only adds fifteen megawatts of clean energy to the national grid but also improves the quality of power supply in the Upper West Region. Furthermore, it is estimated to reduce national carbon emissions by nearly 8,917 tonnes, contributing to Ghana’s efforts to combat climate change and fulfill its international commitments. It will also promote practical studies in the development of solar power by the Technical Universities in the northern part of the country.
President Akufo-Addo reiterated Government’s commitment to invest continuously in the electricity transmission network, to enable the country to evacuate more renewable energy through the national grid to support the extension of electricity to all parts of the country.
“It is our intention to attain full electricity access by the end of this year, up from the current rate of eighty-eight-point-eight percent (88.8%),” he stated.
The President continued, “I expect that, with this project in this community, corporate social responsibility programmes for Kaleo and its environment will be enhanced through the provision of social amenities by the appropriate authorities, including VRA.”
President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about Ghana’s energy future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving sustainable development goals. He urged all stakeholders to uphold effective maintenance management practices to ensure the longevity and efficiency of renewable energy infrastructure, reaffirming his government’s dedication to building a brighter, greener future for all Ghanaians.
“By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, we are securing a reliable source of electricity and creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. This plant will not only power homes and businesses, but also serve as a catalyst for development in the Upper West Region, attracting investment and spurring innovation,” he added.
The President told the gathering that Government is implementing a series of policies and measures to incentivise green investments, foster a culture of energy efficiency, and prioritise the development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the growth of the energy sector in the country.
“The vision, however, is not only to be energy self-sufficient, but also to set the stage for Ghana to emerge as an eco-friendly country in the Region, inspiring neighbouring countries to follow suit in their pursuit of a greener, more energy-technology-centred future,” he added.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
