VRA TO USE COAL TO GENERATE POWER

The Volta River Authority (VRA) is considering
using coal to generate power to augment the
current energy capacity.
In view of this, the VRA has signed an MoU with
China’s Shenzen Energy Group to commence work
on a coal plant in the western region.
Ghana presently has a power demand of about
2,000 megawatts but a current shortfall in
generation of about 400 megawatts.
Chief Executive Officer of the VRA, Kirk Kwofie is
hopeful that the coal power plant will ensure there
is additional power leading to a stable power
situation.
“We have passed the stage of consideration for
clean coal and we think it’s something which should
help drive the economy of this country bearing in
mind that Ghana is a lower middle income country
and electricity should be as reliable as possible,’’
he added.
“There are so many that we are currently in
serious discussions with and at the pre-feasibility
studies to start venturing into coal.’’
Mr Kwofie was however optimistic work will soon
commence on the plant to boost the current
capacity adding that “if we can get about 1000 to
2000 megawatts in coal, then whenever we do not
have water, we will not be dependent on only one
source of power generation.’’