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Explore career opportunitiesLocated on the Black Volta River, the existing Bui Generating Station produces 404 MW but operating supply is affected by the dry season. Spanning six sites in Northern Ghana, Bui Power Authority aims to generate and supply an additional 200MW of solar power into Ghana’s main energy grid. The sites identified for investigation include Bawku, Yendi, Tumu, Sawla, Buipe and Zebilla.
SMEC (engineering partner) and Sienna Services (main contractor) recently commenced feasibility studies, working with the client and stakeholders to develop a hydro-solar hybrid power supply framework. SMEC’s nominated team brings extensive experience in complex Power System Studies.
It is envisaged that the new solar plants will be linked into existing substations (owned Ghana’s national grid managers GRIDCo) for power evacuation. Impact assessment studies will determine the capacity of each substation and any upgrade works that may be required. For the development of solar PV projects bigger than 20MW on High Voltage transmission lines, the regulatory authority in Ghana also requires the addition of a backup (storage) system.
To determine the suitability of each site, a comprehensive assessment of existing transmission lines, substations and associated infrastructure will be undertaken. SMEC will also assess solar generation capacity, taking into consideration the acreage, amount of sunlight hours and efficiency of solar PV equipment.
It is anticipated that solar plants ranging between 10MWp-100MWp can be integrated into the National Interconnected Transmission System (NITS). Rigorous grid impact modelling and scenario modelling will be undertaken along with simulation of existing solar infrastructure at Bui to analyse the impact of the increased power injection.
Aerial view of the Bui Generating Station commissioned 2013
SMEC has operated in Ghana since 1976, and established a permanent office in Accra in 1998. SMEC’s first project in Ghana was a feasibility study and detailed design services for the Bui Hydroelectric Power Project.
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In October 2023, Johan Basson (Function Manager, Urban Development) received an Honorary Fellowship from the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA).
The SMEC Foundation has supported a range of projects, guided by on-the-ground support and the professional expertise of SMEC staff. The dedication and local engagement within many of our regions sets the SMEC Foundation apart from other donor organisations. Your passion for making a difference has propelled us forward, enabling us to impact lives, uplift communities, and create positive change.
In a strong display of commitment to environmental sustainability, around 50 SMEC employees recently laced up their running shoes to participate in the “Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan” (Earth Run) 2023 held on 26 November at Liwasang Ulalim, CCP Complex, Pasay City. The event featured three run categories – 5K, 10K, and 25K – and was organised by the Green Media Events Company.
To bolster environmental stewardship, SMEC joined forces recently with the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) for a successful tree planting initiative in Vietnam. The activity, held at Me Linh Station for Biodiversity, located around 50km north of Hanoi, marked a significant step in SMEC’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability.
