Ghana Advances Towards First Nuclear Power Plant

Ghana is poised to select a company by December to construct its first nuclear power plant, an initiative set to transform its energy sector and catalyse broader industrialisation. Among the contenders are prominent international entities such as France’s EDF, U.S.-based NuScale Power, Regnum Technology Group, China National Nuclear Corporation, South Korea’s Kepco with its subsidiary Korea Hydro Nuclear Power Corporation, and Russia’s ROSATOM. This project, spanning the next decade, underscores Ghana’s strategic move to stabilise its energy supply and support its development trajectory.

Robert Sogbadji, Deputy Director for Power in charge of nuclear and alternative energy, highlighted that the Ghanaian Cabinet’s approval might include one or more vendors depending on the proposed financial models and technical specifications. This careful consideration signals Ghana’s methodical approach to entering the nuclear power arena, a significant step since its initial plans in the 1960s were interrupted by political instability.

Ghana’s resolve in reviving its nuclear ambitions in 2006, aided by the International Atomic Energy Association, came in response to severe power shortages that underscored the need for a more reliable energy source. The country’s strategic plan aims to incorporate about 1,000 megawatts of nuclear power into its electricity mix by 2034, enhancing the stability and capacity of the national grid.

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This development is part of a broader African movement towards nuclear energy, with countries like Burkina Faso, Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, and Namibia also making significant strides towards embracing nuclear technology to bridge their energy supply gaps. South Africa, the only African country currently operating a nuclear plant, is also planning to expand its nuclear capacity to address its ongoing energy crisis.

Ghana’s nuclear initiative is expected to bolster its industrial sector and potentially increase energy exports through the West Africa Power Pool to neighbouring countries such as Benin, Ivory Coast, and Togo. This is indicative of Ghana’s broader vision to become a pivotal energy hub in the region.

In preparation, Ghana has already secured sites capable of accommodating up to five reactors, with Nsuban in the Western Region emerging as the preferred location. This site selection, informed by comprehensive assessments including seismology, flooding risks, and demographic projections, marks a critical milestone in Ghana’s nuclear journey.

Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, recently announced these developments at the Ghana Industrial Summit & Exhibition in Accra, emphasising the role of nuclear energy in sustaining Ghana’s industrial growth amid dwindling traditional energy sources.

In a significant boost to Ghana’s nuclear ambitions, the US has pledged additional support through its Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program. This initiative will not only enhance Ghana’s nuclear workforce capabilities but also establish the country as a regional training hub for nuclear technology in sub-Saharan Africa.

The support includes a $1.75 million funding initiative to provide a Small Modular Nuclear Reactor (SMR) control room simulator, forge university partnerships, and facilitate academic exchanges. This collaboration is aimed at ensuring that Ghana adheres to the highest international standards of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.

As Ghana nears its decision on the nuclear plant’s construction, the involvement of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) underscores the economic implications of this project. AGI CEO Seth Twum Akwaboah regards the nuclear facility as a pivotal venture for generating jobs and invigorating local industries.

Ghana’s commitment to nuclear energy is a testament to the nation’s foresight in securing a sustainable and stable power supply essential for its development aspirations. This move not only reflects Ghana’s dedication to advancing its technological and industrial sectors but also its role as a leader in the African energy landscape.