Ghana is set to choose a company by December to build its first nuclear power plant, a significant step toward closing electricity supply gaps in Africa, where over 600 million lack access to electricity. Contenders include France’s EDF, US-based NuScale Power, China National Nuclear Corporation, and others.
The project, expected to span a decade, aims to add 1,000 megawatts of nuclear power to Ghana’s electricity mix by 2034, enhancing industrialization and energy exports across West Africa.
Ghana revived its nuclear power plans in 2006 with support from the International Atomic Energy Association, following a power crisis. The selection process will be led by a technical team, with cabinet approval of the final choice.
Like other African nations, Ghana sees nuclear power as a sustainable solution to its energy needs, alongside countries such as Burkina Faso, Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, and Namibia, which are also exploring nuclear energy.
The project will include a “build, own, operate, and transfer” model, aiming to involve local equity and boost industrialization, supported by a site ready to accommodate up to five reactors.
The initiative aligns with Ghana’s vision to use nuclear power as a base load to accelerate economic growth and strengthen energy security, aiming to increase energy exports to neighboring countries.
