Visit By Joint KNUST-BPA Team To Tsatsadu Hydropower Plant
The visit to Tsatsadu was organized as one of the follow-up activities to a meeting between Bui Power Authority (BPA) and KNUST held in Accra on 1st March 2023. During the meeting, the CEO of BPA, Hon Samuel Kofi Dzamesi announced plans by BPA to hand over the Tsatsadu Hydro Plant to KNUST to manage and use for training. It was therefore agreed that a familiarization visit to the facility should be organized for the KNUST side. The agreed date was 31st March 2023.
Observations
- The plant was not in operation at the time of visit as it was the dry season. The BPA explained that the plant operates for about 8 months within the year.
- The installed capacity of the Tsatsadu Hydro plant is 45 kW, and there is a plan to increase it by an additional 75 kW by June this year. KNUST will be invited to participate in the installation.
- Potential for hybridization of installation exists (solar and wind) and this can enrich the learning experience the place.
- Experts from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources observed great potential for tourism at the waterfalls (e.g., bird watching and wildlife tourism). The team discovered the presence of Senegal coucal birds found in lightly-wooded countries and savannahs in central and southern Africa and is rare to find in Ghana. The presence of new bird breeds in the area can attract birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts worldwide.
- The location quite remote and as such transportation should be included in the handing over arrangements.
- The cost of maintaining the facility needs to be examined and a business model developed. CANR has useful experience with the Wildlife Department that could be a guide.
