Ghana enters Phase II of nuclear power infrastructure development
As part of efforts to become a climate-resilient and zero-carbon energy country, Ghana has completed Phase two of the Nuclear Power Project, which includes the approval of a site for a nuclear power facility.
A Deputy Energy Minister, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, announced this during a symposium on nuclear power infrastructure development.
“We have currently received approval for the acquisition of our preferred and backup nuclear to host Ghana’s first nuclear power plant. And meeting our energy demand is necessary to sustain our industrial and economic growth, which is required for a middle-income economy,” he stated
Mr Mercer noted that the world is shifting to greener energy sources, and nuclear power is expected to be a significant source of energy. As a result, Ghana cannot afford to be left out of the global drive for energy security.
“The world is migrating to cleaner sources of energy and nuclear is envisaged to be a critical source of energy. Ghana can therefore not be left out in this global search for energy security,” he added.
In 2022, President Akufo-Addo integrated nuclear technology into the country’s power generation mix.
The president explained that this was consistent with the global collective commitment to the long-term availability of power and the peaceful use of nuclear energy for the benefit of society, to accelerate industrialization, and to push economic progress.
The Director of the Nuclear Power Institute, Professor Seth Kofi Debrah, says developing an attitude of consistency will aid in the nuclear plant process to become successful.
The long term plan was evident when Ghana began its nuclear energy journey in the 1960’s until it was truncated.
Ghana is anticipated to completely switch to nuclear energy by the year 2070, however, this will cost $581 billion.
Source: Ghana News
