The IAEA has endorsed Ghana’s site selection for its first Nuclear Power Plant through a thorough safety review process. The mission confirmed adherence to international safety standards and recommended optimizations to the site evaluation phases. Continuous technical assistance from IAEA is set to support Ghana as it advances toward nuclear energy, with a final report expected soon.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded an eight-day safety review of Ghana’s site selection process for its inaugural Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). This Site & External Events Design Review (SEED) mission, at the government’s request, was hosted by Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) under the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition. The review assessed Ghana’s compliance with IAEA guidance, marking the first SEED mission to the country.
Ghana has successfully identified a candidate site and an alternative for its first NPP, now progressing to the characterization phase of site evaluation. The IAEA team comprised experts from Pakistan, Türkiye, the UK, and the US, alongside IAEA staff, who evaluated the site selection report, siting criteria, data collection methods, and management practices.
The experts visited the proposed candidate site in the Western Region and the alternative site in the Central Region. IAEA also hosted a SEED Capacity Building Workshop to enhance site evaluation understanding, fostering discussions among external experts and participants which are expected to guide future evaluations.
Kazuyuki Nagasawa, the mission leader, stated, “We confirmed that both the implementing organisation and the management system are well-designed with the support of the government…Ghana followed the IAEA safety standards while performing the site selection process.” The team also provided recommendations to optimize the site selection to avoid potential unsuitability during the next stages.
The mission identified various factors for consideration such as earthquake susceptibility, flood risks, extreme weather impacts, and the viability of emergency plans. Notably, it commended the leadership within NPG for maintaining strong safety management throughout the siting process.
Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of NPG, expressed appreciation for the IAEA’s technical assistance, emphasizing its significance in aligning Ghana’s decisions with international best practices for nuclear power development and reinforcing safety and regulatory preparedness. IAEA will continue to provide support as NPG advances site approvals per the Specific Safety Guide on Nuclear Installations.
The final SEED mission report is expected to be submitted to the Government of Ghana within three months, encapsulating the findings and recommendations directed at strengthening its nuclear power program.
In summary, the IAEA’s review underscores Ghana’s dedication to adhering to international safety standards during its nuclear power development. The successful completion of site selection marks a critical step in establishing Ghana’s energy infrastructure, with technical guidance and support from the IAEA ensuring compliance and safety. Continuous assistance and the upcoming report will further support Ghana’s journey towards sustainable nuclear energy production.
Original Source: www.neimagazine.com
