‘Nuclear power will be critical for 24-hour economy’

Richard Gyan-Mensah, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, says nuclear power is a strategic imperative for Ghana’s industrialisation through the operationalisation of the Government’s 24-hour economy initiative.

Ghana is currently working towards adding nuclear power to its energy mix by 2030, a development that would ensure reliable and affordable electricity baseload for a round-the-clock industrial operation, he said.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement of the Draft Bill of the Ghana Nuclear Power Corporation Act, 2024, in Accra, he said the reliance on hydro and thermal power sources could not help meet the country’s long-term economic aspirations.

“Nuclear power offers a base load to support industrialisation and it’s going to support President Mahama and the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) 24-hour economy very well,” the Deputy Minister stated.

The draft bill when passed into law and assented to by the President would establish the Ghana Nuclear Power Corporation to develop, construct, own, operate, maintain, and decommission nuclear power plants.

Mr Gyan-Mensah noted that the country’s quest of becoming a high-income industrialised nation would significantly increase electricity consumption, hence the need to add nuclear into the country’s energy mix, to deliver consistent electricity supply regardless of the weather conditions or time of day.

“The 24-hour economy policy, which seeks to create jobs and boost productivity by enabling businesses to operate continuously, requires reliable power infrastructure that can support industrial activities around the clock,” he said.

“Nuclear power’s ability to provide consistent baseload electricity makes it particularly suited to this economic model.”

Mr Gyan-Mensah noted the transformative power of nuclear energy as a low-carbon electricity source that would help Ghana meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

“The technology also provides energy security through fuel diversity, reducing dependence on variable renewable sources and imported fossil fuels that can be subject to price volatility and supply disruptions,” he noted.

He shared his personal transformation from nuclear skeptic to advocate, describing how witnessing a nuclear plant seamlessly integrated into a London community changed his perspective.

“Today I raise up my hand to you all to say that I am a strong advocate for renewable energy and nuclear power as part of it,” Mr Gyan-Mensah declared, calling on Ghanaians to embrace nuclear technology despite historical fears and misconceptions.

“The future of nuclear power in Ghana must be shaped not only by engineers and policymakers, he stated, calling on civil society, academia, private sector actors and the citizens to champion the acceptance and use of nuclear energy.”

He expressed confidence about the proposed legislation creating a State-owned enterprise that would be operationally independent, commercially viable and technically competent to manage nuclear infrastructure.

Mr Edudzi Tamakloe, the Chief Executive Officer, of the National Petroleum Authority also said the inclusion of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix could be a game changer.

“I am praying to see the day where our houses and others will be connected to electricity generated from nuclear power plants and once we get there, our importation of products that we use for power generation will completely reduce,” he said.

Mr William Amuna, the Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana, said the draft bill was not only a legal instrument to guide the sector, but a testament of the country’s affirmation to diversify its energy and fight against carbon emission.

He stated that the initial cost involved in establishing a nuclear power plant was expensive, but once operational, provided enormous long-term benefits by supporting economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability.

By Francis Ntow

GNA

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