Sun gives Ghana even more power

Ghana’s biggest power supplier, the Volta River Authority (VRA), is to develop a new 15.78 MWp PV solar project in the Upper West Region, namely Kaleo II. The first phase of construction is already underway. After completion in the first quarter of 2023, it will be connected to the 34.5kV grid of the existing power plant (Kaleo Phase I). Tractebel is once again working for the VRA as Owner's Engineer.

Construction of Kaleo Phase II has begun

The project is funded by German development bank Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau through a loan agreement. It will provide a sustainable energy supply based on clean and renewable energy sources. Local service providers and staff are also involved.

Units A and C of Kaleo Phase I have been successfully completed

The project is part of a portfolio of plants that the VRA is currently developing on a step-by-step basis. The first two plants (Kaleo Phase I, units A and C) were put into operation in December 2020 and November 2021. When it came to the third plant (Kaleo II), the owner once again opted for commercially proven technology utilising monocrystalline PERC solar modules (Passive Emitter and Rear Cell) installed on a fixed tilt support structure connected to the distribution system via string inverters. All equipment will be supplied by global leading suppliers with proven experience with projects in the region.

Owner’s Engineer with a wide scope of tasks

The project is arranged on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis. Our experts will be reviewing the project planning and implementation documents and the project engineering and design documents for the electrical and civil and mechanical works. In addition, the services include the supervision of contractors’ adherence to agreed quality programs and procedures and implementation of the works in compliance with environmental, social, health and safety requirements. Services related to performance and acceptance testing are also included in the mandate, such as factory acceptance and site acceptance. Furthermore, our experts are also assisting the client with project management and all other key areas of work such as contract administration and engineering and construction supervision. Commissioning and the review and verification of project milestones during the construction period are also the responsibility of our team.

“Together with our partner, the project brings us one step closer to our objective: It will support the VRA in achieving its goal of becoming a renewable energy player in the region. Photovoltaics is one of the fastest-growing commercially available renewable energy sources, fully in line with Tractebel’s purpose of contributing to a carbon-neutral future,” says Natnael Teshome, Senior PV Expert and Project Manager at Tractebel.

Natnael Teshome, Senior PV Expert and Project Manager at Tractebel

Discover our Renewable Energy solutions