Building and road institute launches solar project to wean institute off ECG

The Building and Road Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial (CSRI-BRRI) has launched the first phase of a locally produced solar energy project to wean the institute off power supply by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The three-phased project is expected to produce 100 kilowatts of power to the institute by July next year while the reserve will be injected into the national grid.

Even though the 20 kilowatt power plant has been in operation since September 8, 2016, it was officially launched in Kumasi this week.

The project was facilitated by KATA Solar Limited, a local engineering company, with funding from OMD Company Limited of Japan.

Project duration

The project, which is being carried out in phases, will span a period of five years.

According to the CEO of KATA, Dr Kojo Appiah, the second phase will begin in January 2017 and is expected to provide additional 60 kilowatts while the third and last phases will add 20 kilowatt, respectively, by the end of July next year.

He said upon completion, the project would save the institute more than 20 per cent of the money it spends on electricity supply from the ECG.

Mr Takeshi Ooki (left) being joined by Dr Kwame Appiah, Founder of KATA Solar, and Ing. Dr Eugene Atiemo to cut the tape to inaugurate the solar project. Looking on is Dr Daniel Aniagyei Ofori (right), the Director of FORIG. Pictures: EMMANUEL BAAH

Decision

The Director of CSRI-BRRI, Ing. Dr Eugene Atiemo, said the institute took the bold decision after it realised that the large sums of money it was spending monthly on electricity bills were draining its coffers.

Since the commencement of the project in September 2016, the institute has saved about 10 per cent of the amount it spends on power.

The capacity of the project is expected to scale up during the dry season where more power will be generated and the reserve fed into the national grid.

Pledge

The CEO and President of OMD Limited, Takashi Oki, pledged to inject more capital into the project to make it successful. 

He said solar energy was more viable and cost effective and, therefore, needed to be promoted.