Nuclear power key to 24-hour economy — Regulatory Authority Director
The Director of Nuclear Installations at the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), Dr Emmanuel Ampomah-Amoako, says nuclear power remains Ghana’s best chance at ensuring reliable electricity supply to drive industrialisation and support the government’s proposed 24-hour economy.
According to him, nuclear energy has the potential to stabilise the national grid, attract investors and provide the kind of uninterrupted power supply that industries require.
“It is nuclear that can provide us with a very good opportunity to put reliable electricity on the grid that would encourage investors to put their resources into the economy. We look forward to working with operators to ensure that the country is well electrified. The Energy Commission is also ready to regulate the electricity that goes on the grid,” Dr Ampomah-Amoako said.
His comments follow Ghana’s ongoing efforts to establish its first nuclear power plant by 2030 to complement existing energy sources, which largely depend on hydro and fossil fuels.
Backing the call for nuclear power, Dr Kelle Barfield, a Nuclear Communication Expert at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), highlighted the long-term benefits of adopting nuclear technology.
“As Ghana considers energy policy for decades to come, up to 100 years, it’s essential that the country looks at all forms of generation. Some forms of energy, like hydropower, are not an option. Wind and solar are limited in their 24/7 capacity. The risks of nuclear are balanced by the benefits, as seen for almost seven decades,” she said.
The experts spoke at a media training on Nuclear Regulatory Communications, Public Opinion and Media Reporting on Regulating Nuclear Power Plants, including Small Modular Reactors in Ghana.
The programme, held both in-person and virtually, brought together journalists from the middle belt and northern regions.
Participants were introduced to the mandate of the NRA and trained on how to report issues related to nuclear energy, including the regulation of reactors and the management of radioactive waste.
