Ghana has launched the first phase of its ambitious 1000 megawatts rooftop solar project aimed at providing power to companies in the free zone enclave.
Upon completion, this will be the largest solar plant in Africa and the second largest in the world, expected to generate 24,750 MWh of clean, stable, and sustainable electricity annually, facilitating access to the European market (EU) for these companies.
The project, financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the IMF Group, spans an area of 100,000 square meters. Ghanaian engineers and technicians carried out the construction, connection, and installation of the entire project.
During the commissioning of the project, Herbert Krapa, Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable initiatives.
“The government acknowledges that the private sector has the power to contribute to growth and development. We plan to mainstream renewable energy as part of our energy generation mix, and this project signals the lead role of the private sector in achieving it,” he stated.
He also encouraged more partnerships to ensure a greener economy, noting, “Solar, over time, has helped reduce the cost in the energy mix and meet green credentials. I encourage more partnerships to sustain such initiatives.”
Adlai Opoku-Boamah, Managing Director of LMI Holdings, hailed the project as a significant milestone towards energy independence and environmental stewardship for the company. The solar rooftop project, owned by Helios Solar Company (Helios) under LMI Holdings, will supply 16.82 megawatts of energy to Helios and its partners.
Amb. Mike Ocquaye Jnr., Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, highlighted the importance of the free zones to Ghana’s growth agenda, stating, “This project reaffirms the need to foster a thriving ecosystem of free zone enterprises here in Ghana.”
The solar system is part of a comprehensive $30 million clean power and water deal between the IFC and LMI Holdings, aimed at supporting job creation and promoting greener, more sustainable, and competitive industrial development in Ghana.
According to the Ghana Energy and Investment Plan, the country is set to play a key role in the energy generation mix, with solar potentially accounting for over 150 gigawatts by 2060. However, the rapid expansion of solar capacities will require substantial technical, financial, and policy support to streamline and expedite project development.
