The IAEA has completed its first SEED mission to Ghana, endorsing the site selection for the nation’s first nuclear power plant. The team assessed compliance with safety standards and provided guidance for further site evaluation. Ghana has identified a primary and an alternative site, and will receive continued technical support from the IAEA throughout the next stages of development.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has vetted Ghana’s site selection for its inaugural nuclear power plant (NPP) following an eight-day safety review. This review was conducted by the IAEA Site & External Events Design Review Service (SEED) and assessed Ghana’s compliance with IAEA guidelines. The mission, facilitated by the Government and Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), marks a significant step in Ghana’s nuclear initiatives under the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.
Ghana has effectively identified both a primary and an alternative site for the construction of its NPP. The upcoming phase will focus on the characterization of the selected sites as part of the evaluation process. The SEED team, comprised of experts from Pakistan, Türkiye, the UK, and the US, evaluated the documentation and processes involved in site selection.
Experts on the team also conducted site visits in the Western and Central Regions to assess the selected locations. In conjunction with this review, the IAEA hosted a capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the site evaluation process, facilitating fruitful discussions between external experts and participants.
Kazuyuki Nagasawa, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA and mission team leader, remarked on the effectiveness of Ghana’s management and safety systems in guiding the site selection process. He confirmed the thorough preparation of the Site Approval Report in alignment with IAEA safety requirements.
The review team provided critical recommendations aimed at refining the site selection process to ensure suitability during site characterization. These considerations included environmental factors such as earthquakes, flooding risks, and severe weather, alongside the viability of emergency response plans.
Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of NPG, expressed gratitude for the IAEA’s technical assistance, emphasizing the mission’s impact on the safe and secure development of Ghana’s nuclear infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of adherence to international best practices in regulatory preparedness and transparency.
Moving forward, NPG will continue to benefit from IAEA’s technical support while proceeding with the site approval process as per the IAEA’s Specific Safety Guide. The mission’s final report is expected to be presented to the Government of Ghana within three months, further solidifying their commitment to sustainable nuclear energy.
The IAEA’s endorsement of Ghana’s site selection for its first nuclear power plant marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s energy future. The thorough review process demonstrated Ghana’s commitment to adhering to international safety standards. With the next steps in site characterization planned, ongoing technical assistance from the IAEA will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of Ghana’s nuclear energy development.
Original Source: www.neimagazine.com
