Experts, public officials divided over timeline for naming nuclear plant vendor

Government officials are optimistic that Ghana will announce the vendor country or countries selected to construct its first nuclear power plant by the end of the year.

However, experts are skeptical about the timeline for the announcement.

Ghana aims to incorporate approximately 1,000 megawatts of nuclear power into its electricity mix by 2034.

The competition for the project includes several notable companies, such as France’s EDF, U.S.-based NuScale Power and Regnum Technology Group, and China National Nuclear Corporation.

Additionally, South Korea’s Kepco and its subsidiary, Korea Hydro Nuclear Power Corporation, along with Russia’s ROSATOM, are also vying for the contract.

Mr. Collins Adomako-Mensah, the Deputy Minister of Energy, has assured the public that the government is on track to announce the vendor for Ghana’s first nuclear power plant by December.

Speaking at recent events both domestically and internationally, he emphasized the vital role of nuclear energy in the country’s economic and social development, aligning with global commitments to sustainable energy.

The Deputy Minister outlined Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework, which aims for Net Zero emissions by 2060 through the adoption of low-carbon technologies across all sectors.

He highlighted that nuclear energy was expected to serve as the baseload power source, helping to reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change, and ensure energy security for future generations.

Industry experts have raised concerns about Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), which has been functioning on a limited budget largely supported by the Volta River Authority and Bui Power Authority.

A source from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission indicated that insufficient budget releases have led to the postponement of several critical activities necessary for advancing the nuclear power initiative.

This financial strain could hinder the timely progress of Ghana’s plans to incorporate nuclear energy into its electricity mix.

“This is a worrying trend. Some of our experts are having a re-think whether to stay or take up international appointment because the programme is not being given the needed political attention,” the source said.

Mr. Kwame Jantuah, Chairman of the Oil and Gas Sector at the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), emphasized the need for Ghana to invest in affordable and reliable energy to drive industrialization, create jobs, and enhance the nation’s financial stability.

He noted that the Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) had not made significant progress since its inception, referring to a roadmap established in 2016 with the assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Jantuah pointed to funding issues and legislative constraints as key obstacles hindering the advancement of the nuclear energy initiative.

“Realistically, the NPG and the Nuclear Power Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission are behind schedule in addressing the lAEA nuclear power infrastructure issues because they do not have the necessary funding and resources to work with.

“We are not processing our natural resources because we do not have reliable and sustainable energy to broaden our value chain opportunities. If we are going nuclear then we need to consciously devote funding and resources to it,” he said.

Ghana has identified a preferred site and backup location for its first nuclear power plant, which is intended to serve as the baseload power source for the country’s industrialization agenda.

The plant aims to address challenges related to limited hydro resources and anticipated declines in gas supply.

It is expected to contribute to tariff reductions for industries, support desalination efforts, and create job opportunities.

Source: GNA

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