Energy minister Herbert Krapa explained at the launch that Ghana’s green energy strategy aims to cut emissions, reduce energy costs and create high-quality jobs. The Mega Warehouse project, located in Tema in the Greater-Accra Region, is currently the biggest single rooftop solar photovoltaic plant not just in Ghana but in the whole of Africa and the second largest in the world. The installation spans 95,745 m2, which is roughly the size of 13 soccer pitches.
Owner’s Engineer: an essential part of the team
3E worked on the project as technical consultant to the asset owner Helios Solar Company. Helios is a Ghana-based developer of utility-scale PV generation, a subsidiary of the global LMI Holdings. They engaged 3E in the role of Owner’s Engineer (OE).
Businesses like IPPs or developers typically turn to an OE for additional engineering expertise and resources when developing renewable generation projects. Acting as an extension of the client’s engineering team, the OE provides expert technical assistance and strategic guidance, ensuring smooth project development and efficient execution. They advise on adapting designs to specific sites, monitor the construction phase, and ensure that all work meets high standards while remaining on schedule and within budget.
EPC contractor procurement and management
3E has been involved with the Mega Warehouse project since the initial feasibility study stage. We reviewed the project design, verifying compliance with codes of practice, and carried out a comprehensive risk assessment. Additionally, we handled contractor procurement and contract management. We prepared the tender documentation, shortlisted the best candidates and helped Helios finalise the EPC contracts for the companies selected.
With extensive experience in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) tenders, 3E was well-suited to manage this part of the project. Samuel Kyei-Boateng, Solar Project Manager at Helios explains:
“It was essential for the project to contribute to Ghana’s economy, so we prioritised hiring local contractors. 3E was instrumental in the tendering process and their extensive track record in the sub-region gave us confidence in their understanding of the renewable energy sector, including local players and regulations.”
Construction supervision and quality control
As Owner’s Engineer, 3E was obviously in charge of supervising the construction work. This involved reviewing the delivery of the materials to the site, coordinating multiple contractors to ensure efficiency and smooth collaboration, and flagging and resolving any technical issues, while monitoring construction progress.
At each milestone of the project and up to final commissioning, we ensured compliance with technical specifications, industry best practice, contractual agreement, regulations and safety standards.
The Mega Warehouse project with an installed capacity of 16.82 megawatts peak, will ensure energy security for businesses in the industrial zone of the Tema Free Zones Enclave.
Adlai Opoku-Boamah, Managing Director at LMI Utilities said:
“3E offered invaluable guidance on the technical sides of the project, from design review to commissioning. Their decades of experience meant we could rely on them as a trusted team member.”
A bright future for African solar
When it comes to hours of sunshine, Africa has 60% of the world’s solar resource(1). Yet it only has 1% of global solar generation capacity and hundreds of millions living with no access to any electricity. However, things are rapidly changing as the continent begins to harness its vast solar potential. With 3E’s dedicated South Africa office leading projects across multiple countries, we are at the forefront of this transformation.
The Mega Warehouse project, currently the largest single rooftop solar installation on the African continent, is setting a new industry standard. As a beacon of sustainable energy progress, it’s expected to inspire the development of more large-scale solar plants across Africa.
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