A delegation from Reliance Industries Limited, led by Mahesh Kumar, has arrived in Ghana to explore a potential solar-plus-storage power project aimed at reviving the dormant Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO). The project could become one of Ghana's largest renewable energy investments in years. According to a letter dated 27 August 2026, Reliance is interested in partnering with the Ghanaian government to build a large-scale power system that pairs solar generation with energy storage.
The proposed system could feed power into the national grid or be routed directly to industrial customers, including the VALCO aluminium smelter. VALCO was built decades ago to run on cheap hydropower from the Akosombo Dam but has operated far below capacity due to Ghana's recurring electricity shortages and high power costs. A reliable power supply is crucial to bringing the smelter and the broader ambition of a fully integrated Ghanaian aluminium industry back to life.
Reliance's interest in Ghana is linked to the Comprehensive Partnership agreed between the two governments in July 2025. The company believes its investment would be in the spirit of this partnership and has flagged potential benefits, including lower carbon footprint and support for the aluminium sector's revival. The project could also help Ghanaian-made metals remain competitive in export markets with carbon border measures.
Reliance envisions the project being structured through a power purchase agreement (PPA), build-operate-transfer (BOT), or public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. The company also plans to include local content requirements and skills transfer for Ghanaian engineers. During his visit, Kumar is scheduled to meet Chief of Staff Dr Julius Debrah and hold discussions with the Oswal Investments Group.
The potential investment has significant implications for Ghana, including industrial jobs, potential new export earnings, and a test of whether large-scale solar-plus-storage can deliver steady power for heavy industry. Ghana's grid has struggled to guarantee this in the past. A revived VALCO and aluminium value chain would be a major boost to the country's industrial sector.
The delegation's visit is part of a two-day trip, during which Kumar will also pay a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II. While no timeline has been given for a formal investment decision or contract, the visit marks a significant step towards potentially reviving Ghana's aluminium industry.
The proposed project has the potential to transform Ghana's energy landscape and support the growth of its industrial sector. With Reliance's interest in investing in renewable energy, Ghana may be able to leverage this opportunity to drive economic growth and development. Key discussions will focus on the project's feasibility and potential benefits for both parties.
Key points
- Reliance Industries explores solar-plus-storage project to revive Ghana's dormant VALCO aluminium smelter.
- The project could become one of Ghana's largest renewable energy investments in years.
- A reliable power supply is crucial to bringing VALCO and the broader Ghanaian aluminium industry back to life.
