Ghana says launch of first nuclear power plant by 2030 is unrealistic — MyJoyOnline
In Ghana, the initial plan to launch the first commercial nuclear power plant by the end of 2030 is no longer realistic. This was stated by Archibald Buah-Kwofie, director of the Nuclear Power Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, MyJoyOnline reports. The country views nuclear energy as a way to diversify its electricity system, strengthen energy security and reduce emissions.
Reasons for the deadline postponement
According to Buah-Kwofie, Ghana has reached important milestones since launching its nuclear roadmap in 2015, but the complexity of the process has shifted the original schedule. Regulatory requirements, infrastructure readiness and financing arrangements are affecting the pace of the programme.
The article says that the country sought to build a 1 GW nuclear power plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency is supporting Ghana in strengthening institutional readiness, technical capabilities and the regulatory system.
Energy expert Kwame Jantuah believes that a target date of 2039 could be realistic if all necessary preparatory work is completed. The publication also notes that planning nuclear generation requires significant funding.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Safety and grid development
Buah-Kwofie called nuclear energy a reliable baseload generation source that could support industrialisation and long-term economic growth. According to him, Ghana has already used about 70% of its viable hydropower potential, while reliance on thermal generation makes the system vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel prices.
According to Ghana's Energy Commission data for 2022, thermal generation accounted for 68.9% of the country's energy mix, hydropower for 29%, and renewable sources, mainly solar, for 2.1%.
The author of the article recommends not rushing into floating nuclear reactors, calling the technology insufficiently tested and one that carries risks for safety, the environment and maritime security. Instead, he proposes developing a land-based nuclear programme, strengthening power grids and the regulator's independence, while also investing in solar and wind energy in parallel.
