• VRA now combines hydro, thermal and solar generation
• West Africa’s energy sector faces supply, finance and climate instability
Power generation structure: Volta River Authority’s diversified assets
The Volta River Authority, founded in 1961, began as Ghana’s central body for power generation, transmission and distribution. After energy sector reforms in 2005, it focused solely on generation, leaving GRIDCo and NEDCo to manage transmission and distribution.
VRA now manages a total installed capacity of 2,547 MW, with energy sources spread across hydro (1,180 MW from Akosombo and Kpong), thermal (mainly gas-fired) and solar.
Recent investments show its move toward renewable generation. VRA has developed solar plants at Navrongo, Kaleo and Lawra (35 MW), and is constructing the Pwalugu project—a 60 MW hydro and 50 MW solar hybrid. Plans for a 150 MW wind project are in progress.
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Thermal and gas operations: Volta River Authority’s energy security plan
To stabilise electricity output during periods of hydrology fluctuation, the Volta River Authority relies heavily on thermal power, which is now entirely fuelled by natural gas. Its major thermal facilities include Takoradi T1 (330 MW) and T2 (340 MW), Tema TT1 (110 MW), TT2 (80 MW), Kpone (220 MW), and Anwomaso (150 MW). The Authority is in the process of converting several of these units to combined-cycle systems in order to improve efficiency, while the re-powering of the Takoradi T3 plant is also under consideration. This strategic shift to natural gas not only enhances energy security and reduces operational costs, but also significantly lowers carbon emissions. To support long-term fuel supply, VRA maintains equity participation in the West Africa Gas Pipeline Company, securing stable access to regional gas resources.
Regional links and sector challenges: Volta River Authority’s path forward
West Africa’s electricity supply is shaped by three key challenges: variable climate, grid fragmentation and infrastructure finance. VRA’s strategy addresses these through hybrid energy systems, regional cooperation and private sector engagement.
The authority exports power via the West African Power Pool and GRIDCo’s network to Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire. These exports demand strong technical coordination and legal frameworks.
VRA also leads in environmental action. It planted over 5,300 hectares of forest for carbon capture, promotes climate-friendly stoves and uses rooftop solar at its head office, cutting electricity demand by 23 %.Despite sector hurdles, VRA’s shift toward flexible, cleaner energy ensures it remains a pillar of Ghana’s power future.
