Ghana embraces nuclear future with US small reactor deal

Ghana is taking a bold step into the nuclear age, signing a deal for its first atomic power plant using cutting-edge small modular reactor technology. This move puts the West African nation at the forefront of a global push for cleaner energy solutions.

The agreement, inked at a US-Africa summit in Nairobi, will see Ghana deploy a compact NuScale reactor. These innovative units, smaller than traditional nuclear plants, can be factory-built for easier installation. While questions linger about their widespread commercial viability, Ghana is betting on their potential.

This decision reflects a growing interest in nuclear power across Africa, as countries seek to boost economic growth, ensure energy security, and reduce carbon emissions. The US, eager to promote its clean energy tech abroad, views this as a win-win scenario.

However, the path to nuclear power isn’t without challenges. The long-term management of radioactive waste remains a concern. Additionally, NuScale faced setbacks last year when rising costs forced the cancellation of its only US project.

Ghana’s choice of a US partner came after considering offers from several global players, including French, Chinese, South Korean, and Russian firms. This high-stakes decision will likely shape the country’s energy landscape for decades to come.

As Africa embraces nuclear technology, balancing economic aspirations with safety and environmental considerations will be crucial. Ghana’s journey could serve as a model for other nations on the continent looking to power their future.

Earlier this month, the US and Ghana launched Africa’s first nuclear energy training center open to all African countries considering nuclear in their electricity mix, the US Department of energy had said.

Ghana and the United States are part of broader pledge to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
To further that goal, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Ghana Atomic Energy Commission’s Nuclear Power Institute officially launched the region’s first Clean Energy Training Center in Accra, Ghana.

Through the training center, the United States will offer additional technical expertise and training with support from its nuclear industry, national laboratories, and academic institutions on topics such as workforce capacity building, reactor design and operation, and the management of spent nuclear fuel.