Accra, March 2, – Ghana’s nuclear power initiative is at risk of further delays as essential technical studies required for construction readiness remain unfunded, project officials have warned.
The project, currently in Phase Two – described as the “construction readiness” stage – requires major site-specific studies before moving to actual construction.
Dr Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, told the Ghana News Agency that while operational and administrative budgets from the Government, Volta River Authority, and Bui Power Authority exist, funding for critical technical activities such as detailed site characterisation and environmental impact assessments was unavailable. He emphasized that without these studies, the project cannot progress beyond Phase Two.
Dr Yamoah highlighted the urgency of procuring environmental monitoring equipment and oceanographic and marine tools to collect site-specific data for plant design. He also noted that a grid impact study, assessing Ghana’s transmission capacity, needed upgrades, new substations, and safety systems, is planned for 2026 but remains dependent on funding.
He recalled that Phase One faced similar delays, originally slated for completion in 2017 but only finalized in 2019 due to postponed government funding for key technical studies. Prolonged delays, he warned, could reduce public interest, generate community frustration, and create political fatigue.
Officials stressed that nuclear energy is critical for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change, enhancing energy security, supporting industrialization, lowering tariffs for industries, and creating jobs.
Ghana revived its nuclear ambitions in 2008, receiving technical support from the International Atomic Energy Agency, after earlier plans were disrupted by a coup in the 1960s. Vendor selection has followed a structured process, narrowing from 15 initial responses to two final partners for the project.
GHBUSS
2 March 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment