The Volta River Authority (VRA) is set to tap into renewable sources of energy to sustain and improve upon power generation and supply within Ghana and beyond for the next 50 years. Energy will be tapped from the sun, wind and Bio fuel to generate extra power in addition to existing sources like the Akosombo Dam and Natural Gas and Light Crude Oil (LCO) by next year. Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of VRA, Major John Gyasi Rtd. said existing sources of energy in the coming fifty years could be exhausted as a result of growing population hence the diversion to solar, wind and Bio fuel energy. “We have already acquired land at Navrongo where solar energy would be tapped into to add up 10 MW of power to what is produced from the Akosombo dam. Meanwhile, researches have commenced into wind energy as well. “The power from Bui Power Project will also be added after it has been completed. All these will improve power supply in Ghana,” he said. Major Gyasi stated that steps were also being taken to expand operations from Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast to other countries in West Africa which will generate more revenue for Ghana. He was delivering a speech on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of VRA, Mr. Kwaku Andoh Awortwe during an Open Day session at VRA’s Tema Thermal Power complex. Already VRA is the second largest utility company in Sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa’s Eskom. In the emerging competitive environment in Ghana and the opening of West African region through the West African power pool, the VRA will play a crucial role in the socio economic development of Ghana with a huge impact on the West African sub region. Major Gyasi said as part of the expansion programme, funds will also be made available to train young graduates for employment. He related that the “VRA needs to increase generation capacity which calls for training of more graduates to push our agenda.” On the other hand, VRA has decided to deregulate its operations in order allow independent power producers the opportunity to invest in the company. The move will connote reducing government control of how business is done, thereby moving toward a more free market. Story: Maame Esi Nyamekye Thompson/Adom News