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.’’
