Ghana has signed an agreement with China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas Limited for cooperation and construction of HPR1000 nuclear power plant, and the agreement will include the upgrading of Ghana’s power grid.
HPR1000 is an advanced mega-kilowatt-class third-generation pressurised water reactor (PWR) nuclear power technology. It was developed by China based on more than 30 years of experience in the scientific research, design, equipment manufacturing, construction, and operation of nuclear power.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh disclosed this without further details of the deal on his Facebook page after the signing of the agreement during the 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The agreement, which was witnessed by the Energy Minister, was signed between Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), the entity spearheading the construction of Ghana’s first nuclear power plant, and China National Nuclear Power Corporation Overseas Limited.
“Nuclear power stands as a reliable, efficient, and environmentally-friendly source of energy, offering a stable supply of electricity to power our industries, businesses, homes and, indeed, the West African Power Pool. It is a testament of President Akufo-Addo’s vision for a diversified energy portfolio that prioritises clean and sustainable sources of power.
“This agreement represents a profound commitment to advancing our nation’s energy sector, ensuring sustainable development, and meeting the growing demand for electricity in our country,” Dr Opoku Prempeh wrote.
According to him, Ghana is at a crucial juncture in its journey towards economic prosperity.
“The integration of nuclear power into our energy mix will play a pivotal role in achieving our goals,” he noted.
Ghana is at the second stage of the processes required by the International Atomic Energy Agency for the establishment of nuclear power plant.
The NPG has identified two suitable sites for the siting of the nuclear power plant in the Central and Western regions.
The Executive Director Dr Stephen Yamoah disclosed that the NPG is in the process to request for IAEA site and external events design SEED mission.
This assessment will afford the IAEA experts the opportunity to review Ghana’s siting activities for construction of nuclear power plant up to the point of preferred site identification.
The mission will thus afford NPG the opportunity to fill in gaps when undertaking the detailed site characterisation studies, which is the next stage of the siting activities and seek regulatory approval before the site can be ready for construction.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com