ACCRA, Ghana—Ghana is aggressively moving forward with plans to establish its first nuclear power facility, marking a major strategic decision to diversify its national energy mix and secure long-term power stability. The nation is targeting a construction start date of 2027 for the project, positioning nuclear energy as a key pillar alongside renewables in its future power generation strategy.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, which is currently focused on the critical stage of land acquisition and engaging technical partners globally.
Dual-Site Development Strategy
Ghana’s nuclear ambition is structured around a two-pronged development plan, ensuring that the technology addresses both grid stability and industrial demand:
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Large-Scale Plant: The government is securing land for a large-scale nuclear power plant, designed to be integrated directly into the national grid. This facility will significantly boost Ghana’s overall energy security and help reduce the country’s heavy reliance on volatile hydropower and natural gas sources.
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Smaller Industrial Unit: A separate location is being acquired for a smaller nuclear industrial unit. This unit is intended to provide dedicated, stable power supply to large industrial consumers, ensuring consistent energy for major economic activities.
Progress and Global Engagement
Current progress on the project is focused on foundational and preparatory work:
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Land Acquisition: The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition is actively working on finalizing the acquisition of the two selected sites, a crucial step that precedes regulatory approval for construction.
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Technical Preparation: Preparatory work and technical training are already underway, emphasizing the country’s commitment to building local capacity for operating and maintaining the complex facilities.
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Global Partnerships: Ghana is actively engaging with global partners, including leading nuclear energy nations and technology providers, as part of its growing participation in the broader African trend toward nuclear power development.
By targeting a 2027 construction start, Ghana aims to significantly boost its energy generation capacity, enhance its energy security profile, and ensure a more stable power supply necessary for rapid industrialization. This strategy places Ghana at the forefront of African nations adopting nuclear technology to meet rapidly rising energy demands.
