Ghana is making significant strides towards achieving universal access to electricity by 2025 through the successful implementation of the Bui Hydro-Solar PV Hybrid (HSH) system.

Developed by the Bui Power Authority (BPA) in collaboration with Huawei, this groundbreaking project demonstrates the successful integration of solar and hydropower, marking a major milestone in Africa's clean energy transition. With the Bui HSH system now online, Ghana is on track to connect more customers and surpass its universal access target of 90% by 2024, well ahead of the UN Sustainable Development Goal.

The Bui HSH project plays a crucial role in Ghana's efforts to diversify its energy mix and increase its renewable energy capacity. Construction of the solar plants began in 2019, and the initial 50MWp solar PV facility has been operational since November 2020. In addition, the BPA has commissioned a 5MW Floating Solar Plant, the first of its kind in the sub-region. By combining hydropower and solar energy, along with Battery Energy Storage System, the Bui HSH system ensures a stable supply of power to the national grid, contributing approximately 6-7% of Ghana's total power generation and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The BPA is also exploring opportunities to establish additional solar plant substations in the Northern part of the country, further enhancing the country's renewable energy infrastructure. With reliable inverters and Huawei's energy storage solution (ESS) in place, the Bui HSH system is equipped to withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide secure, cost-effective power supply for years to come. This hybrid power plant represents a successful model of harnessing Ghana's abundant solar resources and integrating them with existing hydropower capabilities to ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply, contributing to the energy security of the nation.

Source: pv-magazine.com