The government of Ghana has signed a landmark nuclear cooperation agreement with the U.S.-based Regnum Technology Group. The agreement, unveiled at the second United States-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, marks a crucial milestone in Ghana’s pursuit of nuclear energy as a key component of its national energy strategy.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, and Saladin Amery, CEO of Regnum Technology Group, signaling a strong commitment to advancing nuclear power in the West African nation.
Speaking at the Summit, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Collins Adomako Mensah, highlighted the critical importance of energy security for Africa’s economic and social progress.
Hon. Adomako Mensah stated, “Energy is the heartbeat of every economy,” emphasizing that without adequate energy, the welfare of the continent’s citizens would be at risk.
“It’s important that the African continent has enough of it to support economic and social development and to enhance the welfare of its citizenry.”
Collins Adomako Mensah, Deputy Minister of Energy,
The deputy minister also noted that Ghana has been carefully planning the integration of nuclear power into its energy mix since 2005, recognizing it as a vital pathway for the country’s energy transition. The recent agreement with Regnum Technology Group represents a significant advancement in this long-term strategy.
Hon. Adomako Mensah highlighted a recent development in Ghana’s nuclear journey, pointing to the U.S.’s reaffirmation of its commitment on September 13, 2023, to support Ghana in establishing itself as a regional training hub and Centre of Excellence for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Adomako Mensah emphasized that the collaboration between Ghana and the U.S. is expected to have far-reaching impacts, not only for Ghana but for the entire West African region.
“The production of adequate electrical power through clean base load technology such as nuclear will serve as a strong backbone for the West African power pool,” said Hon. Adomako Mensah, underscoring the broader regional benefits of Ghana’s nuclear ambitions.
Milestone in Ghana-U.S. Cooperation
The signing of the cooperation agreement was hailed as a milestone achievement in Ghana-U.S. cooperation for the peaceful use of atomic energy. The partnership is based on principles of equity and mutual benefits to both countries, according to Hon. Adomako Mensah.
The U.S. Under-Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins, also emphasized the significance of the partnership, describing it as a “major milestone” in the U.S.-Ghana civil nuclear partnership.
“SMRs stand out as a transformative technology that can meet a range of needs,” Ambassador Jenkins said, highlighting the potential of these reactors to revolutionize energy access across the continent.
Ambassador Jenkins emphasized the versatility of SMRs, which, with their small land footprint and scalable size, can provide clean, reliable energy to industries, hospitals, and schools.
“This partnership will position Ghana to lead on the development of small modular reactors in Africa. [Ghana will] establish itself as a supply chain hub, and catalyze economic development and jobs creation in the region.”
Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins
Ambassador Jenkins also touched on the broader implications of the agreement for sustainable development, expressing her excitement about the potential for building a more sustainable future.
The landmark agreement between Nuclear Power Ghana and Regnum Technology Group marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s journey towards energy security and sustainability.
As the country continues to advance its nuclear ambitions, this partnership is expected to have a profound impact not only on Ghana but on the entire African continent, paving the way for a new era of clean and reliable energy.
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