IAEA Endorses Ghana’s First Nuclear Plant Site Selection Process

The IAEA has completed a review of Ghana’s site selection process for its first nuclear power plant. The findings affirm that Ghana is following international safety standards. The next phase will involve site characterization, with ongoing technical support from the IAEA. The mission underscores Ghana’s commitment to safe nuclear energy development.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has completed an eight-day safety review of Ghana’s site selection for its first nuclear power plant (NPP) through its Site & External Events Design Review Service (SEED). This first mission to Ghana was requested by the Ghanaian Government and hosted by Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), part of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition. The review focused on ensuring adherence to IAEA standards for site selection.

Ghana has successfully finalized its site selection process, identifying both a candidate site and an alternative site for the NPP. The subsequent step is the characterization phase of the site evaluation process, which will further assess the suitability of these locations. The SEED team, comprising experts from Pakistan, Türkiye, the UK, and the US, thoroughly examined the site selection report and associated documentation during their visit.

During their visit, the team evaluated criteria related to the siting process, data collection, and the management system employed for these activities. They also inspected both the candidate site in the Western Region and the alternative site in the Central Region. Additionally, the IAEA held a SEED Capacity Building Workshop to foster collaboration and support in the site evaluation process.

Mission team leader Kazuyuki Nagasawa praised the implementing organization and highlighted that the Site Approval Report was meticulously prepared, stating, “Ghana followed the IAEA safety standards while performing the site selection process.” The experts offered recommendations aimed at optimizing the site selection process, particularly concerning potential hindrances such as earthquakes, flooding, and extreme weather.

Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of NPG, expressed gratitude for the technical assistance received from the IAEA, emphasizing that such international support reinforces Ghana’s commitment to transparency and safety in developing its nuclear infrastructure. He stated, “This mission is of great importance to our nuclear power programme, as it ensures that our decisions are guided by international best practices for safe and secure development of nuclear power infrastructure.”

Looking ahead, NPG will continue to work with the IAEA as it progresses through the site approval process, adhering to the Specific Safety Guide on Site Survey and Site Selection for Nuclear Installations. A comprehensive SEED mission report will be delivered to the Government of Ghana within a three-month timeframe.

The IAEA’s endorsement of Ghana’s first nuclear power plant site selection marks a significant milestone in the country’s nuclear program. By adhering to international safety standards and receiving expert recommendations, Ghana demonstrates its commitment to a safe and responsible approach to nuclear energy development. Ongoing support from the IAEA further solidifies this progress while setting a strong foundation for future developments in nuclear power infrastructure.

Original Source: www.neimagazine.com