Ghana has selected the U.S. and China as vendors for its first nuclear plants, comprising a Large Reactor and Small Modular Reactors. The projects are designed to enhance energy security and reduce fossil fuel reliance. Various financial models will support the financing, and the government aims to integrate one gigawatt of nuclear power into the grid by 2034.
Ghana has identified the United States and China as the selected vendors for its inaugural nuclear power plants, although formal contracts have yet to be signed. The U.S.-based NuScale Power and Regnum Technology Group, in collaboration with Japanese partners, will work on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), while the China National Nuclear Corporation is tasked with constructing a Large Reactor (LR). This announcement was made by Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, during a media event in Accra.
The Large Reactor is projected to have a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, whereas the SMRs will consist of 12 modules, each generating 77 megawatts, culminating in a total output of 924 megawatts. Dr. Yamoah indicated that the LR project would utilize a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) financial model that incorporates local equity participation, while the SMR financing will be facilitated through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
Additionally, Ghana has entered into a framework agreement with the selected vendors, with experts currently engaged in collecting environmental and oceanic data to finalize the plant’s location. Mr. Archibold Buah-Kwofi, Acting Director of the Nuclear Power Institute, emphasized the necessity for reliable and cost-effective electricity to foster national development, given that Ghana’s current energy portfolio is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels and hydro, with renewable sources constituting merely one percent.
“We need to fast-track the adoption of nuclear power to secure our energy future,” Mr. Buah-Kwofi remarked, underscoring the significance of comprehensive regulatory frameworks and a skilled workforce. Nuclear energy is anticipated to diminish dependency on fossil fuels, alleviate climate change impacts, and enhance energy security for Ghana.
The Ghanaian government aims to add one gigawatt of nuclear power to the national grid by 2034. This nuclear initiative is expected to bolster industrialization, offset diminishing hydroelectric outputs, reduce tariffs for businesses, facilitate desalination efforts, and generate employment.
The selection of the vendors resulted from a meticulous process, which began with 16 submissions in response to the government’s call. A technical team, under the direction of the Energy Ministry, narrowed this down to five candidates before making the final selections. Ghana’s aspirations for nuclear energy, which faced delays due to a coup in the 1960s, were revitalized in 2006 with assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The nation stands alongside other African countries seeking nuclear solutions to their energy challenges and economic development needs.
In summary, Ghana has chosen the United States and China as the primary vendors for its first nuclear power plants, a pivotal step in the nation’s energy strategy. The implementation of nuclear power is expected to enhance energy security, support industrial growth, and mitigate the impact of climate change. By aiming to integrate significant nuclear capacity by 2034, Ghana seeks to modernize its energy mix, moving beyond its historical reliance on fossil fuels and hydroelectric sources. The initiatives are seen as essential for the country’s socio-economic development and energy stability.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
