The IAEA has completed an endorsement of Ghana’s site selection for its first nuclear power plant, concluding that it adhered to international safety standards. The review involved expert evaluations and site visits, confirming that both candidate and alternative sites have been identified. Recommendations for improving the site selection will aid in the ongoing development of Ghana’s nuclear infrastructure.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has endorsed Ghana’s site selection process for its inaugural nuclear power plant (NPP) after a comprehensive eight-day safety review. This assessment was conducted by the IAEA Site & External Events Design Review Service (SEED), following a request from the Ghanaian Government, with support from Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) under the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.
During the review, IAEA experts evaluated Ghana’s adherence to its site selection protocols, visiting the candidate and alternative sites located in the Western and Central Regions respectively. The SEED team consisted of four specialists from Pakistan, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside IAEA personnel, who extensively analyzed the site selection report and related procedures.
The IAEA mission affirmed that Ghana successfully completed its site selection, establishing both a preferred and an alternate location for the power plant. The next phase involves detailed site characterization, ensuring further evaluation against environmental and safety standards.
Kazuyuki Nagasawa, mission team leader and Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA, noted the thoroughness of Ghana’s Site Approval Report and commended the effective management system supporting the siting process. The team recommended strategies to enhance the quality of the site selection and minimize potential risks during the subsequent characterization phase.
Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of NPG, expressed gratitude for the IAEA’s technical assistance, emphasizing the mission’s importance in aligning Ghana’s nuclear infrastructure development with international best practices. The NPG will continue to work closely with the IAEA in advancing the site approval process according to established safety guidelines.
In summary, the IAEA’s endorsement of Ghana’s site selection for its first nuclear power plant underscores the country’s commitment to international safety standards. The review involved expert evaluations and site visits, leading to recommendations aimed at optimizing the site selection process. Ongoing collaboration with the IAEA will support Ghana in achieving a safe and effective nuclear energy framework.
Original Source: www.neimagazine.com
