Ghana’s Aspiration to be the West African Regional Hub for Nuclear Energy

Ghana is actively engaged in the integration of nuclear energy into its energy portfolio, driven by a steadfast commitment to sustainable development, energy security, and addressing climate change concerns. In collaboration with the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, the government has formulated the Ghana Nuclear Power Agenda, providing a roadmap for the establishment of the country's inaugural nuclear power plant. The government's ambitious decision to commission a 1000 MW Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) by the early 2030s reflects a significant stride toward realizing clean, reliable energy access while contributing to broader climate objectives. Currently in the second phase of the International Atomic Energy Agency's milestone approach, Ghana is focused on establishing key organizations essential for the smooth coordination and operation of the nuclear power program.

The implications of Ghana's nuclear energy pursuits extend regionally, particularly within the West African Power Pool (WAPP), a coalition comprising 14 nations, including Ghana. WAPP's overarching goal is to create a unified power market, fostering the seamless flow of electricity across national borders. Given nuclear energy's potential to deliver clean, reliable, and baseload power, it is viewed as a critical component in achieving WAPP's collective objectives. Consequently, Ghana's nuclear journey assumes a role of considerable regional interest, as its advancements could significantly contribute to the realization of shared energy goals within the West African context.

Ghana's interest in nuclear technology traces back to the 1950s, with the earliest nuclear research conducted at the University of Ghana, Legon. In 1961, President Kwame Nkrumah's government initiated a significant atomic policy venture, the Kwabenya Nuclear Reactor Project. Despite facing political and economic challenges, Ghana has recently reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a nuclear power program as a catalyst for economic transformation and development.

The government's dedication to implementing the nuclear power program is evident through concrete actions, although there remains substantial work ahead. To ensure a systematic approach, Ghana has formulated the National Nuclear Power Program Action Plan (NNPPAP), serving as a strategic roadmap for the program's structured implementation. Recognizing the importance of international collaboration, the U.S. Department of State has announced additional support to position Ghana as a Small Modular Nuclear Reactor (SMR) Regional Training Hub. This $1.75 million funding will contribute to Ghana's nuclear workforce development, encompassing initiatives such as an SMR control room simulator, university partnerships, and academic exchanges. Furthermore, Japan is extending its support in technical activities, emphasizing the collaborative efforts in advancing Ghana's nuclear capabilities.

How does Ghana's Nuclear Initiative Impact WAPP's Electricity Dynamics?

The West African Power Pool (WAPP) represents collaboration among the national electricity entities in West Africa, operating under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This international organization, with a focus on public interest, is dedicated to ensuring the integration of regional power systems and the establishment of a unified electricity market. Comprising both public and private generation, transmission, and distribution companies engaged in the electricity sector in West Africa, WAPP members are collectively striving to create a reliable power grid and foster a common market for electricity.

According to Professor Seth Kofi Debrah of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, “the Ghana's integration of nuclear energy into the West African Power Pool (WAPP) holds significant potential advantages for both Ghana and the broader West African region”. To begin with, by connecting with WAPP, Ghana can actively participate in cross-border electricity trading, facilitating the efficient utilization of energy resources across member countries. This collaboration has resulted in reduced electricity costs for consumers, as evidenced by Burkina Faso, where the cost decreased from $0.26 per kWh to $0.20 per kWh. Moreover, the improved supply security contributes to a more reliable and stable electricity grid, benefiting households, businesses, and industries. Another key aspect is that integration with WAPP encourages increased regional energy exchange, enabling Ghana to export surplus electricity during periods of abundance and import when needed. This interconnectedness fosters energy cooperation among neighboring countries, thereby promoting economic growth and stability.

Within the West Africa Power Pool program, the construction of the Ghana-Burkina Faso Interconnector exemplifies the positive impact on electricity supply costs and increased export capacity for Ghana. The World Bank Group's contribution, including International Development Association (IDA) grants totaling $41.9 million, demonstrates commitment to supporting WAPP initiatives. The European Investment Bank and the French Development Agency, contributing $30.9 million and $39.3 million respectively, signify key partnerships in advancing regional electricity integration. Parallelly, the French Development Bank's financing of the 330 kilovolt Kumasi-Kintampo-Bolgatanga Line, at an estimated cost of $161 million, showcases efforts towards grid reinforcement in Ghana.

Ghana's journey towards nuclear energy also faces financial challenges as the establishment of a nuclear power program entails significant expenses encompassing infrastructure development, reactor construction, and operational costs. The crucial need for sustainable advancement hinges on securing ample funding. Ghana is actively seeking collaboration with nations possessing nuclear expertise, recognizing that partnerships can play a pivotal role in facilitating technology transfer, capacity building, and financial support. The attraction of both private and public investments emerges as a critical element, as international investors have the potential to provide essential capital and technical expertise to propel Ghana's nuclear program forward.

In conclusion, Ghana’s commitment to nuclear energy, as part of the National Nuclear Power Program Action Plan, signifies a strategic vision for sustainable development and regional integration within the WAPP framework. The potential benefits of this regional cooperation include the creation of potential electricity export markets, better leverage in negotiations and financing, and the availability of a supplementary workforce from neighboring countries. These advantages could lead to the creation of new revenue streams, more favorable contract terms, and a more efficient construction and operational process for the nuclear power plant. Despite existing financial challenges, the support and partnerships from international entities position Ghana to effectively harness the potential benefits of nuclear power. This could contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future not just for Ghana, but for the broader West African region, potentially serving as a model for other countries considering nuclear power as part of their energy mix.