Ghana is set to generate one gigawatt of nuclear power to add to its energy mix in its quest to become a beacon in nuclear power production in Africa and the world.
Phase One of the three phased projects, in compliance with requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has been completed with the development of a national infrastructure for nuclear power in sight.
Phased
With the government having successfully completed Phase One of the project, the Phase Two is expected to commence soon as IAEA has given the greenlight to do so.
Phase Two involves developing the institutions, building expertise/capabilities, liaising with stakeholders, developing regulatory framework, electrical grid studies/upgrade as well as procurement site preparation and contracting.
The project is expected to commence in 2024 and be completed in 2030.
To this end, officials of the sector ministry have held a meeting with the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and other stakeholders to discuss the second phase of the project.
Details
In an interview with the media, the Coordinator of the Ghana Nuclear Power Programme, Dr Robert B M Sogbadjie, said that the government had already identified four sites for the project, but declined to disclose their exact locations.
“When IAEA gives us the nod for the Phase Two, like it was for the Phase One, we’ll definitely go to Phase Three, where we’ll construct the power plant. We are expecting that this Phase Three will also end by 2030 when we will connect the nuclear power plant to the grids to integrate and diversify the energy mix,” he said.
This would diversify the country’s fuel supply mix and enhance the amount of renewable energy resources.
Project cost, capabilities
On the cost of the project, Dr Sogbadjie explained that for a 1000MW to 1200 MW installed capacity of nuclear, the price ranges from $4 billion to $6 billion. However, they are having quotations from 700 MW, which was around US$2 billion from the other countries, so they would take the best decision to procure the one that would be more economically beneficial to Ghana.
In his view, despite the cost involved, Ghana could reach the end of Phase Three, and become a beacon on the continent.
“It is going to improve on our industry in diverse ways, in our construction of robotics, healthcare and even water supply,” Dr Sogabajie said.
Nuclear power improves life in diverse ways, in construction of robotics, healthcare and even water supply.
