IAEA Endorses Site for Ghana’s First Nuclear Power Plant

The IAEA has completed a safety review of Ghana’s site selection for its first nuclear power plant, confirming adherence to international standards. Ghana identified a primary and alternative site for the plant, with site characterization as the next step. The review involved expert assessments and workshops to enhance site evaluation capacity. IAEA leaders praised Ghana for its structured approach and commitment to safety.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has endorsed Ghana’s first nuclear power plant (NPP) site following an eight-day safety review of the country’s site selection process. This review was conducted by a team of experts from various countries who examined Ghana’s compliance with IAEA standards. The mission was at the request of the Ghanaian government and facilitated by Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), as part of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.

Ghana has successfully identified both a candidate site and an alternative site for its inaugural NPP, having completed the necessary site selection process. The next phase will be the site characterization, which is a critical step in evaluating the suitability of these sites. The IAEA team inspected and assessed the selected site in the Western Region as well as the alternative site in the Central Region, ensuring that all standards and protocols were followed.

The review team consisted of four experts from Pakistan, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with an IAEA staff member. They evaluated various aspects of the site selection report, including the criteria for siting, the data collection methodologies, and the management systems employed during the site selection process. Additionally, the IAEA conducted a workshop to enhance the capacity for site evaluation through expert discussions.

Kazuyuki Nagasawa, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA, stated, “We confirmed that both the implementing organization and the management system are well-designed… Ghana followed the IAEA safety standards while performing the site selection process.” The team provided recommendations for improving the site selection and characterisation process to prevent potential unsuitability due to environmental factors.

Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of NPG, expressed gratitude for the IAEA’s technical assistance, noting the mission’s significance for ensuring adherence to international best practices. He emphasized the importance of transparency and regulatory preparedness in developing Ghana’s nuclear infrastructure. The assistance will continue as NPG progresses through the site approval phase, in accordance with IAEA’s safety guides.

In conclusion, the IAEA’s endorsement of Ghana’s first nuclear power plant site marks a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of nuclear energy. The comprehensive review process underscored Ghana’s commitment to adhere to international safety standards and best practices. Ongoing collaboration with the IAEA will further strengthen the site approval process and bolster Ghana’s nuclear development initiatives.

Original Source: www.neimagazine.com