Brief background to VRA's initial mandate
The Volta River Authority was established under Act 46 of the Volta River Development Act, 1961 with initial functions to:
- Generation of Electrical Power
- Construction and Operation of Transmission System
- Supply of Power to Customers including ECG
- Development of the Lake for Fish and Transport
- Development of Lakeside area for Health & Well Being
Amendment to VRA's Mandate
Under the Volta River Development (Amendment) Law, 1987, PNDC 171, responsibility for distribution of power in the Northen part of Ghana was transferred from ECG to VRA and then under the Volta River Development (Amendment) 2005, Act 692 the transmission function was hived off to a separate transmission utility Ghana Grid Company [GRIDCo].
VRA's Current Mandate
Subsequent to amendment to the VRA’s mandate in 2005, the Authority, currently, generates electrical energy for industrial, commercial and domestic use in Ghana. It distributes power in the Northern Regions of Ghana and develops the Volta lake for fishing and transportation. Additionally, it develops the lakeside area to enhance the health and well being of nearby communities.
The VRA has a total national installed capacity of 2,120 MW. This comprises:
- Akosombo Hydro Generating Station (6 x 170MW units) - 1020 MW
- Kpong Hydro Generating Station (4 x 40MW units) - 160 MW
- Takoradi Thermal Plant Station (TAPCO)
- (GT) 2 x 110 MW - 220 MW
- (CCT)1 x 110 MW - 110 MW
- Takoradi Thermal International Company (TICO)
- Mines Reserve Plant - 80 MW
- Tema 1 Thermal Plant - 110 MW
- Sunon Asogli Power Plant (SAPL) IPP - 200 MW
Total National Installed Capacity - 2120 MW
- Hydro Generation [6 x170MW]
The Authority's first hydroelectric station is the Akosombo Generation station. Studies into the potential for damming the Volta River for electricity generation was started in 1915. The first stage of the construction began in 1961 when the Volta River project was established and work started on the Akosombo dam and Power Station.
- Akosombo Hydro Plant
Electricity is generated anytime there is a relative motion between conductors (commonly called wire) and a magnet. An electric generator is therefore a machine designed with conductors and magnet, requiring an external prime mover to create the needed relative motion.
- Akosombo Plant Retrofit
Since the first unit at Akosombo Generating Station was commissioned and the production of electrical power on a commercial basis started in 1965, the Akosombo Generating Station has provided Ghana, and its neighbouring countries, with a reliable source of electrical energy.
- Kpong Generating Plant [4 x40MW]
Kpong hydroelectric project represents the third stage in the development of the Volta River, commonly known as the Volta River Project. The first stage began in 1961 when the Volta River was established and work started on the Akosombo dam and power station.
- VRA Solar Power Projects.
The project aims to develop 10MW of PV plant capacity in Northern Ghana in the NEDCo areas of operation. The technical and financial feasibility of deploying a Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant in the NEDCo areas would be examined and detailed specifications would be developed based on the findings of the feasibility study. Four sites in the environs of Kaleo (near WA), Lawra, Jirapa and Navrongo have been identified and acquired for a total of 10MWp PV plants.
Contract has already been awarded for the construction of 2 MWp at Navrongo which is expected to be completed by the end of 2012. VRA is seeking concessionary funding to develop the remaining 8 MWp.
- VRA Wind Power Projects
This project seeks to develop between 100 MW – 150 MW of wind farm capacity. The approach is to develop this through Joint-Venture Partnership. Currently two reputable companies have been identified who are working with VRA to undertake the wind measurement after which the project could be developed. Wind measurements will be undertaken at 8 sites, 4 coastal sites and 4 inland sites. It is anticipated that two of these sites would be developed. The project is expected to be commissioned by 2015.
- Northern Electricity Distribution (NED)
The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) of the Volta River Authority (VRA) is responsible for the supply of power to the Northern parts of Ghana. NEDCo operates at 34.5kV, 11kV and 400V voltage levels. We have over 350,000 customers and operate at very reliable levels. W
- VRA Schools
You are warmly welcome to VRA Schools Department, comprising a group of private schools owned by the Volta River Authority, located at Akosombo and Akuse in the Eastern Region and the Western Region of Ghana, Aboadze near Takoradi.
- VRA Resettlement Trust Fund
One prominent aspect of Akosombo Hydro-electric project undertaken in the early 1960s was the resettlement of about 80,000 persons whose homes were inundated by the formation of the Lake as a result of the construction of the Dam.
- Health Services
The health and well-being of the inhabitant of Akosombo and the lakeside area have been made specific obligations of the Authority under the Act. The Authority runs a well-equipped hospital at Akosombo, and through a Health Services Department it handles matters concerned with sanitation and public health.
- Environmental Activities
The VRA is committed to carrying out environmental and sustainable development projects as part of its non-core business in order to minimize the impact of its operations on the environment. In this regard the Authority is making environmental considerations a priority in all business planning and decision-making and complying with the relevant national and international environmental protection agencies.