Ghana Considering Large, Small Modular Nuclear Reactors.

Accra: Ghana is contemplating the adoption of two nuclear technologies as part of its nuclear power program, Minister of Energy Herbert Krapa announced today. The nation is "carefully" evaluating both large and small modular reactors as potential technologies to fulfill its energy needs.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Krapa delivered this announcement via a speech at the Integrated Regulatory Review meeting in Accra. The meeting, hosted by Ghana's Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) at the request of the International Atomic Energy Agency, aims to review the country's regulatory infrastructure with input from senior regulatory experts. Mr. Krapa indicated that the vendor countries or country would be disclosed next month, emphasizing the unique advantages each nuclear technology offers in terms of energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.The review meeting will span ten days, during which experts are expected to suggest improvements for any identified regulatory gaps. Mr. Krapa noted that Ghana aims to incorporate nuclear power into its electricity generation mix by the mid-2030s. This initiative is part of the country's commitment to transitioning to a cleaner energy future, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and fulfilling its clean energy obligations under the Paris Agreement.Mr. Patrick Nomo, Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted that the government has developed some regulations and that insights from the review meeting would help refine these regulations before parliamentary approval. He also mentioned the government's consideration of granting NRA autonomy.Dr. Nii Kwashie Allotey, Director-General of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, affirmed that Ghana possesses adequate regulations for both technology options. Financially, the large reactor will be managed through a 'Build Operate and Transfer' model, allowing for local equity participation, while the small modular reactor will be financed via crowdfunding.Ghana seeks to integrate one gigawatt of nuclear power into its electricity mix by 2034, aligning with its energy policies and aiming to mitigate climate change impacts. The nation is currently in the mid-end of the second phase of its nuclear program, having settled on a site capable of hosting up to five reactors. The nuclear plant is expected to serve as a baseload power source for industrialization, addressing limited hydro sources and potential gas declines, reducing industrial tariffs, supporting desalination, and creating employment.Initially, sixteen countries and companies responded to the government's vendor call, resulting in a shortlist of five guided by a technical team from the Energy Ministry. Ghana is among several African nations considering nuclear energy to resolve power supply challenges. The concept for a nuclear power plant emerged in the 1960s but was stalled by a coup and later revived in 2006 with International Atomic Energy Agency support following a significant power crisis.