Ghana’s nuclear energy drive: Race to realise vision

Climate change remains a dominant issue in global politics and discussions, with leaders worldwide exploring every possible opportunity to mitigate its effects. 

One key outcome of COP28 was the global recognition of the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In the midst of these efforts, nuclear energy has emerged as a significant option, drawing attention due to its potential to provide a low-carbon, reliable and affordable energy source.

Nuclear energy stands out because nuclear power plants produce no carbon emissions, making them far safer in terms of climate impact than most other energy options.

Beyond its climate benefits, nuclear energy provides a continuous electricity supply, adapting to fluctuations in demand and supporting critical infrastructure, from hospitals to businesses Given its numerous advantages – clean energy, stability and affordability – many countries are now turning to nuclear power as part of their energy strategies. Ghana is one such country.

Ghana’s journey

Ghana has renewed its interest in harnessing nuclear technology for electricity generation, a move overseen by the Ghana Nuclear Power Programme Organisation (GNPPO).

This multi-sectoral group includes government agencies, private companies and academia, with three key organisations at its core: the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) and the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI).

Together, they form the technical workforce and advisory body responsible for coordinating the country’s nuclear power initiatives, under the Ministry of Energy.

As of August 2022, Ghana officially entered Phase 2 of its nuclear effort, with President Akufo-Addo approving the inclusion of nuclear energy in the country’s energy generation mix.

This decision aligns with global commitments to sustainable energy and aims to foster rapid industrialisation and economic growth in Ghana.

Interest

Ghana’s interest in nuclear energy dates back to the 1960s under the leadership of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who saw it as a crucial element for energy security and industrial development. 

However, political instability, including a coup, derailed the country’s nuclear ambitions. It was not until 2006, during a period of severe power crises, that Ghana revived its nuclear energy plans with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Since then, successive governments have all made some attempts to get it materialised. Currently, Ghana is on the verge of selecting a company to construct its first nuclear power plant.

According to a May 2024 report by Reuters, contenders for this project include France's EDF, Russia's ROSATOM, U.S-based NuScale Power and Regnum Technology Group, China National Nuclear Corporation and South Korea's Kepco.

The final decision, which will be made by cabinet, will depend on the financial model and technical details offered by the various vendors.

Global scene

Ghana’s nuclear energy project comes at a time when major global players such as the U.S., Russia and China are vying for dominance in the nuclear energy market. The US, for instance, wants to take a leading step in the industry by promoting Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a capacity of up to 300 MW per unit, about one-third the capacity of traditional nuclear reactors.

Countries such as Poland and Romania have already announced plans to build American SMRs, and the UK is developing a fleet of smaller reactors as part of its strategy to decarbonise its electricity grid.

However, critics warn that SMR technology is still in its infancy, with many designs still on paper or in the early stages of computer modelling.

Russia, a major player in the industry, currently has only one operational SMR – the Akademik Lomonosov floating power unit in the Arctic.

In the U.S., NuScale Power Corporation is working on a demonstration project in Utah, while General Electric and Hitachi plan to build the first SMR in Canada by 2028.

Despite the promise of SMRs, challenges remain, including high costs and delays in implementation.

According to the director of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia and former chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Allison MacFarlane, all SMRs are still on paper or in computer modelling and that "It will take billions of dollars to move to demo models and then to a full–scale model when you are ready for commercialisation."

As countries scramble to meet climate targets, the U.S., Russia, and China are fiercely competing for dominance in the global SMR market.

One of the U.S.'s strategies is to sell SMR technology to countries with no prior experience in nuclear power. Russia, on the other hand, is already a dominant player in exporting nuclear technology, with 19 reactors under construction in seven countries, primarily traditional models. 

Russia's nuclear technology exports extend far and wide, with projects already completed or underway in countries like China, India, Bangladesh, Turkey, Slovakia, Egypt, and Iran. Russia is also marketing its floating SMRs, like the Akademik Lomonosov in Siberia, which has attracted interest from numerous nations. 

Way forward 

As Ghana moves forward with its nuclear energy plans, the country stands to benefit from a stable, low-carbon energy source that could transform its energy landscape. However, the competition among global nuclear giants for a stake in Ghana’s nuclear project underscores the broader geopolitical and economic implications of nuclear energy. Whichever company or nation wins the contract, the decision will mark a significant step in Ghana’s journey toward energy independence and sustainability. But Ghana must consider the one with demonstrable experience and track record to take charge of the country’s nuclear energy.