Ghana has signed an agreement with a U.S. developer to advance the country’s first nuclear power reactor using technology from NuScale Power (SMR.N). At the U.S.-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in Nairobi, an agreement was signed between Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) and U.S. firm Regnum Technology Group to deploy a NuScale VOYGR-12 small modular reactor.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a type of nuclear reactor that is smaller in size and power output compared to traditional nuclear reactors. They are can be built in factories and then shipped to the site where they will be operated. However, concerns remain about whether SMRs will become commercially widespread.
NuScale is the only company with a license to build a U.S. SMR. Although last year, it’s only project in the U.S. was canceled amid rising costs.
“Ghana and many other African countries are pursuing nuclear energy to achieve their economic development, energy security, and decarbonization goals,” said Aleshia Duncan, deputy assistant secretary for international cooperation at the U.S. Department of Energy.
“It’s imperative that the United States remain a strong and engaged partner, offering technical expertise and resources to ensure the successful deployment of nuclear energy across the continent.”
Ghana believes nuclear power can help it achieve its industrial ambitions while fighting climate change.
The U.S. is eager to promote clean energy technologies, particularly in developing countries. Under President Joe Biden, the administration views nuclear energy as an essential asset in combating climate change, as it produces power with almost no emissions.
Other Players That Are Involved.
Other major players vying for the contract to build Ghana’s nuclear plant included France’s EDF and the China National Nuclear Corporation, according to an energy ministry official in Ghana.
South Korea’s Kepco and its subsidiary Korea Hydro Nuclear Power Corporation, as well as Russia’s ROSATOM were also competing for the contract expected to span the next decade, the official said at the time.
