The Volta River Authority (VRA) is exploring plans to transform the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam into a massive energy storage facility to support Ghana’s transition to renewable power.
The initiative, which is at the feasibility study stage, was outlined to Parliament’s Energy Committee during a monitoring visit to Akosombo on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
VRA’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, explained that the project would allow Akosombo to function as a giant battery, storing solar energy generated during the day for use at night.
“As we are transitioning to renewables—and renewables are interruptible power—what we want to do is use Akosombo as a battery. During the daytime when the solar is running, we’ll preserve the water in Akosombo, and in the evening we’ll bring it on board to save the country,” he said.
He noted that the approach could also be scaled up to benefit the wider West African sub-region, given Ghana’s significant water resources.
Dams Assessed and Retrofitted
Ing. Obeng-Kenzo assured the committee that the country’s hydro facilities remain in strong condition. Both the Akosombo and Akuse dams have been retrofitted and subjected to rigorous international assessments.
“Based on their recommendations, we’ve extended Akosombo’s lifespan by almost 40 years and Akuse by 30 years,” he disclosed.
Energy Committee Oversight
The Energy Committee, chaired by Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, is currently undertaking a three-day tour of key power sector agencies, including GRIDCo, PURC, ECG, the Energy Commission, and VRA.
Hon. Bedzrah said the exercise aims to “assess the state of Ghana’s power sector and make critical recommendations to Parliament on legislation and policies to strengthen the sector.”
The tour will conclude with inspections of the Akosombo, Akuse, and Bui dams.