Ghana Takes Lead in African Nuclear Energy with First Small Modular Reactor

During the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) in Nairobi, Kenya, Nuclear Power Ghana and U.S. nuclear technology developer Regnum Technology Group reached a historic agreement to deploy Africa’s first commercial advanced light-water Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in Ghana. This groundbreaking development positions Ghana at the forefront of nuclear energy on the continent, marking a significant step towards energy security, economic growth, and sustainable development.

The agreement, centred around the deployment of a NuScale VOYGR-12 SMR plant, symbolises a leap in Ghana’s pursuit of clean, reliable energy. The two companies plan to establish a subsidiary to own and operate the plant, solidifying Ghana’s leadership in this transformative technology.

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“Signing this agreement will position Ghana as a leader in the deployment of small modular reactors in Africa, catalysing economic development and job creation in the region,” stated Bonnie Jenkins, U.S. Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. Her sentiments were echoed by Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation, Aleshia Duncan, who emphasised the role of nuclear energy in achieving energy security and decarbonization in Africa.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been a key player in advancing this vision. Since 2014, it has provided over $579 million to support the design and licensing of NuScale’s VOYGR SMR power plant, which remains the only SMR technology to have received design certification from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). With further advancements under review, each reactor module is expected to generate up to 77 megawatts-electric (MWe), boosting Ghana’s energy output significantly.

Ghana’s Journey Toward Nuclear Power

Ghana’s nuclear ambitions date back to the 1960s when the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) was established with the support of the Soviet Union. Over the decades, as energy demand grew, the country pursued nuclear energy as a viable option to diversify its energy mix. By the late 2000s, Ghana had set a clear path toward nuclear power, establishing the Ghana Nuclear Power Programme Organisation in 2012 and a nuclear regulatory authority in 2016.

In recent years, the momentum has accelerated. In June 2024, Ghana’s Deputy Director for Power, Robert Sogbadji, revealed that the country had identified two sites for its first nuclear power plant (NPP) and would select a vendor country by the end of the year. Leading contenders include the U.S., Russia, China, France, and South Korea. The first nuclear power contribution, expected to add around 1,000 MWe to the grid, will be a critical component of Ghana’s energy strategy by 2034.

Ghana’s ambition to incorporate nuclear energy is part of a broader national and continental strategy to boost energy security, decarbonize power generation, and stimulate economic development. The country’s partnership with Regnum Technology Group and the U.S. sets the stage for nuclear energy to play a central role in achieving these goals.

U.S. and Ghana Strengthen Nuclear Ties

The U.S. has been a committed partner in Ghana’s nuclear journey. In 2022, Ghana joined the U.S. Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, furthering its nuclear energy ambitions. In May 2024, the U.S. unveiled a new civil nuclear cooperation initiative to support Ghana, including efforts to establish the country as a regional hub for SMR technology.

Earlier this year, the U.S. DOE and GAEC’s Nuclear Power Institute launched Africa’s first Clean Energy Training Centre in Accra. The centre serves as a hub for developing nuclear expertise across the continent, offering training and technical resources for African nations looking to incorporate nuclear energy into their energy portfolios.

Africa’s Role in Nuclear Energy Development

With Ghana leading the way, Africa is positioning itself as a key player in the global nuclear energy landscape. The deployment of SMR technology represents a leap forward for the continent, offering flexible, scalable, and clean energy solutions tailored to the unique needs of African nations.

SMRs, like the NuScale VOYGR-12, offer multiple advantages. They have a smaller physical footprint, can adjust their electricity output to match demand, and can be paired with renewable energy sources. These attributes make SMRs particularly suited for urban centres and remote areas in Africa, offering the potential to address the continent’s energy challenges while contributing to global decarbonization efforts.

Ghana’s agreement with Regnum Technology Group is not only a victory for the country but also a beacon for other African nations pursuing nuclear energy. As the world shifts toward cleaner energy, Africa is demonstrating its readiness to embrace advanced technologies that ensure sustainable growth and energy independence.

Looking Ahead

The second annual US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in Nairobi highlighted the growing interest in nuclear energy across the continent. As discussions continue and partnerships like the one between Nuclear Power Ghana and Regnum Technology Group take shape, the future of nuclear energy in Africa looks promising. The next USANES summit, scheduled for July 2025 in Rwanda, will focus on the continued deployment of SMR technology, advancing Africa’s journey toward a sustainable, energy-secure future.

With Ghana at the forefront, Africa is well-positioned to lead the charge in integrating nuclear energy into its economic and development strategies, fostering prosperity and energy independence for generations to come.