Ghana’s Ambitious Plan to Build Its First Nuclear Power Plant: What’s Behind the Decision?

Ghana is taking significant steps towards diversifying its energy mix by considering bids from five international companies to construct Ghana’s first nuclear power plant.

The companies vying for this groundbreaking project are France’s EDF, US-based NuScale Power and Regnum Technology Group, China National Nuclear Corporation, South Korea’s Kepco and its subsidiary Korea Hydro Nuclear Power Corporation, and Russia’s Rosatom.

The Conversation Africa’s Godfred Akoto Boafo interviewed Seth Kofi Debrah, director of the Nuclear Power Institute at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, to explore the rationale behind this decision and its potential impact on the country’s energy landscape.

Why Nuclear Power?

Several compelling factors are driving Ghana’s interest in nuclear energy.

The country’s ambitions for industrialization, coupled with fuel constraints, limited natural resources, climate conditions, and international commitments to mitigating climate change, make nuclear power an attractive option.

Unlike renewable sources, nuclear power provides a reliable, year-round energy supply, which is crucial for meeting the continuous energy demand of an industrializing nation.

A conventional nuclear power plant operates for about 92% of the year, significantly higher than natural gas, solar, and wind power plants.

Meeting Growing Electricity Demand

Electricity demand in Ghana is on the rise, with 84% of the population having access to electricity, although not all are connected to the grid.

Government initiatives like rural electrification projects aim to supply electricity to all communities with populations of 500 or greater, further increasing demand.

Additionally, industrialization initiatives such as developing the manufacturing, alumina, and iron industries will require substantial energy resources.

Ghana also aims to become a net exporter of electricity within the West African Power Pool, a specialized agency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that seeks to provide reliable and affordable energy across the region.

With the average electrification rate in West Africa at about 42%, Ghana’s 84% electrification rate positions it as a potential leader in regional energy supply.

Supporting Industrial Ambitions and Climate Goals

Nuclear power is seen as a means to support Ghana’s industrial ambitions while also addressing climate change.

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Ghana has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

ALSO READ: 5 Private Companies That Have Submitted Bids for the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project

Nuclear energy, which does not produce greenhouse gases, offers a sustainable solution to meet these commitments.

Currently, Ghana’s electricity sector relies heavily on thermal plants that use natural gas, a fossil fuel.

With 64% of the energy mix dependent on natural gas, the country faces issues like frequent fuel shortages and price volatility, exacerbated by the declining reserves of domestic natural gas expected by 2028.

Dependability of the Current Energy Mix

Ghana’s current energy mix includes 1,584 MW of hydro, 3,758 MW of thermal power (mostly natural gas), and 112 MW of solar generation.

However, the variability of renewable energy sources means their dependable capacity is limited.

For a country aiming for industrialization, a reliable baseload energy source like nuclear power is essential.

Historically, industrialized nations have relied on stable energy sources such as natural gas, coal, hydro, or nuclear for their baseload capacity before incorporating variable renewables.

Financial Considerations and Waste Management

Despite the high initial costs, nuclear power plants are among the cheapest sources of electricity due to their long lifespans and low running costs.

Ghana is exploring various financing models, including public-private partnerships, to manage these upfront costs.

Moreover, Ghana already operates one of Africa’s few radioactive waste storage facilities, indicating its preparedness for managing nuclear waste.

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s safety standards ensure that nuclear plants plan and pay for waste management during and after their operational lifetimes, embedding these costs into the plant’s tariff.

Ghana’s move towards nuclear power represents a strategic effort to ensure a stable, sustainable, and affordable energy supply that aligns with its industrial and environmental goals.

As the country evaluates bids from leading global companies, the successful implementation of this project could significantly transform Ghana’s energy sector, supporting its ambitions to become an industrial giant and a regional energy exporter.

Share Our Post on the Topic ‘Ghana’s Ambitious Plan to Build Its First Nuclear Power Plant: What’s Behind the Decision?’.

To Read More Stories, Click Here.