The Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) has welcomed reported cooperation between Ghana and Russia towards the development of a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant, describing the initiative as a strategic move towards diversifying the country’s energy mix and strengthening long-term energy security.
In a statement on November 3, ASEC said nuclear power could provide reliable, low-carbon electricity to complement Ghana’s existing hydroelectric and thermal power generation, while supporting industrialisation and economic growth.
However, the Centre has stressed that nuclear energy must complement, rather than replace, Ghana’s renewable energy ambitions.
It has therefore called for increased investment in solar, wind, hydropower and battery energy storage systems to establish a balanced, resilient and sustainable electricity sector.
ASEC noted that Ghana’s considerable solar energy potential remains underutilised, presenting opportunities for both large-scale electricity generation and distributed solar power systems.
The Centre also believes the proposed nuclear programme could create opportunities for technology transfer, specialised skills development, local engineering capacity and industrial growth.
It has consequently urged government to ensure the meaningful participation of Ghanaian universities, research institutions and engineering companies in the development and implementation of the project.
*Maintenance Culture Remains a Major Concern*
While endorsing Ghana’s nuclear ambition, ASEC has raised concerns about the country’s maintenance culture, warning that the successful operation of a nuclear power facility requires the highest standards of maintenance, operational discipline and safety.
“We cannot aspire to operate a world-class nuclear power facility while maintaining a third-class maintenance culture,” the Centre cautioned.
ASEC said Ghana must urgently address maintenance challenges affecting existing electricity generation facilities, transmission networks, substations, distribution infrastructure and gas processing facilities.
It has called for a shift from reactive maintenance practices to data-driven asset management systems supported by predictable maintenance budgets, skilled personnel, condition monitoring, adequate spare-parts management and institutional accountability.
*Calls for Stronger Regulation and Financial Transparency*
On safety and regulation, ASEC has called for strong and independent nuclear regulatory institutions, strict adherence to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards, effective emergency preparedness systems and comprehensive radioactive waste management arrangements.
The Centre has also urged government to ensure transparency in project financing and procurement, carefully assess the long-term financial implications of the project and strengthen the country’s transmission infrastructure to accommodate the proposed generation capacity.
*ASEC’s Recommendations to Government*
To ensure the successful implementation of Ghana’s energy diversification agenda, the Centre has outlined six key recommendations:
1. Develop an integrated energy diversification roadmap that balances nuclear power development with renewable energy investments.
2. Accelerate investments in solar, wind and battery energy storage systems.
3. Make maintenance culture a national priority, beginning with existing energy infrastructure.
4. Strengthen nuclear regulatory institutions and safety oversight.
5. Prioritise local capacity development, skills transfer and technology transfer.
6. Ensure transparent project financing and long-term economic sustainability.
*Ambition Must Be Matched by Preparedness*
ASEC believes Ghana’s proposed nuclear power development presents an important opportunity to strengthen energy security, accelerate industrialisation and advance technological development.
However, it maintains that the country’s nuclear ambition must be matched by adequate preparedness, investment by accountability, and technological advancement by strong institutional discipline.
The Centre has reaffirmed its support for Ghana’s nuclear power ambition, insisting that safety, a strong maintenance culture, renewable energy development and the national economic interest must remain non-negotiable priorities.
By Richard Bright Addo
