VRA committed to developing renewable energy

Takoradi, Feb 16, GNA - The Volta River Authority (VRA) has identified two sites in the Upper East Region and two other sites in the Upper West Region for the development of a minimum of 10 megawatts of solar energy, Mr= .. Sam Appiah, Director of Engineering of the Authority, has said. He was speaking at the 50th Anniversary symposium of the VRA under the theme 93Power Supply Development, What Drives the Choice" at Takoradi. Mr. Appiah said the cost of the project is currently estimated at between 10 and 20 million dollars and VRA expects to commence construction by the fourth quarter of 2011 and finish not later than the first quarter o= f 2012.

Mr. Appiah said the VRA had obtained approval to selectively tender wind study and development of wind farms in four sites on the coast and fou= r sites inland. He said the study of the eight sites would take one year and would star= t by mid-year 2011.

Mr. Appiah said the goal is to initially construct 100 megawatts in tw= o locations at an approximate cost of 200 million dollars. He said the VRA notified the Ministry of Energy of its plans to add Renewable Energy based generation to its generation mix. Mr. Appiah said the addition of renewable energy was a means of meetin= g increasing demand for electricity and minimize carbon dioxide emission.