Appolonia commissions first power substation

Appolonia, the mixed-use urban development near Accra, has commissioned its first power substation, which will serve the first 4,000 residents at the project.

The privately funded substation, which is specially designed to withstand heavy rains and flooding, is one of the first of its kind in north of Accra. The substation’s 20/26MW power transformer was manufactured in India by Crompton Greaves Limited and designed in collaboration with the Electricity Company of Ghana, a unique demonstration of a private sector-led expenditure in close co-operation with a Ghanaian public utility.

Speaking at the commissioning, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, lauded the innovation of Appolonia and its lead investor Rendeavour in finding solutions to the electricity needs of the project.

Akandoh emphasized the importance of the private sector to national development and urged investors to explore ways of ensuring that they both meet their core business mandate.

Frank Mosier, Rendeavour board director and lead U.S. investor in Appolonia, highlighted the co-operation between all stakeholders, “What we see today is testament to partnership. This important investment has only been possible through close co-ordination between the Ghanaian government, our partners in the community and the private sector.” Mosier continued, “We look forward to continued relationships with all Appolonia stakeholders related to Appolonia and welcome further involvement from the private sector in achieving further development at the site.”

Anthony Okyere, CEO of Appolonia noted that the station will deliver power to more than 15,000 people and 4,000 homes within five years, and nearly 90,000 people in total, over 15 years. Aside from residents the substation will also serve commercial areas at Appolonia, such as retail, schools and health facilities.

“After working with the Electricity Company of Ghana and Crompton Greaves Limited, we are proud that the first of the three power substations has been acquired, installed and readied to supply electricity to Appolonia. Concluding this important step is proof of our commitment to this project,” he added.