A Deputy Minister of Energy has affirmed Ghana’s commitment to adding nuclear power to the country’s energy mix.
Speaking at the second edition of the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in Kenya on Thursday, Adomako-Mensah said Ghana recognized the importance of nuclear energy for economic and social development.
He said the recent signing of a cooperation agreement between Nuclear Power Ghana and Regnum Technology Group for the adoption of NuScale nuclear technology was a significant milestone in Ghana’s nuclear agenda.
“This agreement aligns with Ghana’s aim to establish itself as a small modular reactor (SMR) regional training hub and centre of excellence for sub-Saharan Africa, supporting the West African power pool and promoting clean, reliable energy,” he said.
Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework intends to achieve Net Zero by 2060 by deploying low-carbon technologies across all sectors.
The adoption of nuclear energy is expected to help Ghana achieve the net-zero target by reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change, and ensuring energy security for future generations.
South Africa is the only African country currently generating electricity from a nuclear power plant. Egypt is also setting up plants with a capacity of 4,400 megawatt energy (MWe).
A Special Assistant to the President for Climate Policy, Finance, and Innovation at the White House Climate Policy Office, Nana Menya Ayensu, expressed confidence in Africa’s capability to embrace nuclear energy.
Nana Ayensu said nuclear energy was not just about deploying power plants but about building a robust nuclear industry that generated jobs, fosters local supply chains, and enhanced economic development.
He reaffirmed the USA’s commitment to partnering with Africa on its nuclear journey, emphasizing the shared goal of sustainable and inclusive development.
Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Nuclear Energy, U.S. DOE, Dr. Michael Goff said Africa was ready for nuclear energy, in accordance with the broader recognition of nuclear power’s role in economic growth and energy security.
In the U.S., nuclear energy is a key source of clean, base-load electricity, supporting nearly 20 per cent of the total electricity generation and providing nearly 50 per cent of the clean energy, he said.
Dr. Goff said the U.S. was committed to expanding nuclear energy, aiming to triple its capacity by 2050.
“Key initiatives include preserving the current nuclear fleet, deploying new reactors, and securing the nuclear fuel supply chain,” he added.
Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Director for the Division of Africa at the International Atomic Energy Agency, welcomed the growing interest among African nations in nuclear power, adding that nuclear power had the potential to expand energy access and support economic transformation.
He assured the IAEA’s commitment to supporting member states in the safe and sustainable use of nuclear energy through capacity building, technical support, and the implementation of the Milestone approach.
Source: Myjoyonline