The Minister of Energy, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, visited the Tema Freezone to witness the unveiling of Africa’s largest solar rooftop project. Helios Solar Company, a key player in the LMI Holdings Group, developed the project, which is poised to deliver an impressive 16.82 megawatts of clean energy to Helios and its collaborators.
This significant milestone not only marks a remarkable achievement for Helios Solar but also underlines the company’s dedication to advancing Ghana’s industrialization aspirations. The project is fully financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as part of a $30 million clean power and water agreement with LMI Holdings. The collaboration aims to foster job creation and contribute to a more sustainable and competitive industrial landscape in the country.
In contrast to conventional thermal power on the national grid, the solar plant is anticipated to reduce Ghana’s annual emissions by approximately 13,000 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The photovoltaic (PV) solar project involves the installation of 29,252 solar panels featuring the latest N-type technology, covering a rooftop area of 95,000 square metres at the International Warehousing Company Megawarehouse in the Tema Freezone.
A noteworthy aspect of the project is its direct impact on employment, with 128 Ghanaian nationals actively engaged in the implementation of the solar venture. Once operational, the solar system is projected to generate 24,750 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean, stable, and sustainable electricity annually. This substantial power output is equivalent to meeting the annual energy needs of 55,000 homes, showcasing the project’s scale and positive environmental impact.
The engineering and operation of the PV Solar project are entrusted to Dutch and Co., a Ghana-based solar energy firm serving as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contractors.
Kyle Kelhofer, IFC’s Senior Country Manager for Ghana, emphasised the project’s significance, stating, “This project demonstrates how the private sector can bring effective solutions to development challenges and support job creation. IFC’s investment, the first funding both infrastructure and development in an industrial special economic zone in sub-Saharan Africa, supports Ghana’s industrialization ambitions for a greener and more sustainable future.”
Kojo Aduhene, CEO of LMI Holdings, expressed the company’s commitment to Ghana’s industrialization and sustainability goals. He highlighted the partnership with the IFC as a catalyst for significant investments in Ghana and beyond, showcasing how the private sector can provide effective solutions to development challenges.
The Helios Solar rooftop project exemplifies how renewable energy can revolutionise Africa’s industrial sector, promote job growth, and contribute to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.
