Case study · Partner track record
130 MW solar at Dawa: from an old licence to a build-ready project.
A utility-scale solar farm in the Greater Accra Region, led on the ground by Uffe Carlson of Carlson Capital Ltd, Gotham Consult's partner, as Managing Director of the project company Orion Energy Ghana Ltd.
- Capacity
- 130 MWp solar PV, built in stages
- Location
- Dawa, Greater Accra, about 30 km from Tema port
- Land
- About 210 hectares secured
- Buyer
- Electricity Company of Ghana (PPA)
- Role
- Managing Director, 2022–2024
The starting point
Orion Energy Ghana Ltd signed a power purchase agreement with the Electricity Company of Ghana in January 2016 for an earlier, smaller solar phase at Dawa. Extensions and amendments followed in 2017 and 2018, and a feasibility study was prepared for a 20 MWp first phase. After that, the project stood still for several years.
What changed, 2022–2024
As Managing Director from 2022 to 2024, Uffe Carlson re-scoped the project for today's market: one site, 130 MWp of solar, built in stages, with a battery option.
- Engineering and cost. Ran an EPC tender. In February 2023 the project received a full turnkey proposal for 130 MWp with bifacial modules on single-axis trackers, a substation and access road.
- Permits and environment. Prepared the environmental scoping report and kept the siting and licensing file current with the regulators.
- Power sales. Led the renewal of the power purchase agreement with the Electricity Company of Ghana and prepared the renewal file for the Ministry of Energy.
- Land. About 210 hectares at Dawa, structured with the landowner so the project can move to construction.
- Financing. Worked with international contractors and financiers on an EPC-plus-finance structure, so construction can be funded once the power purchase agreement is renewed.
Where it stands
The project is technically ready to build. Financial close depends on the renewed power purchase agreement, which is with the authorities. Carlson Capital remains involved as technical coordinator.
What this experience brings to Gotham's clients
Utility-scale energy projects in Ghana succeed or stall on the same few things: a bankable power purchase agreement, a grid connection that GRIDCo can deliver, land that is secured on paper, and an EPC price that lenders believe. Gotham Consult and Carlson Capital bring that first-hand experience to developers, investors and mining companies planning their own solar supply.