IEA launches one-year project to support Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA Ghana), through its Nuclear Energy Centre of Excellence, has launched a one-year initiative aimed at supporting selected priority activities under Phase Two of Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme. The initiative, titled the Ghana Nuclear Phase II Completion and Investment Readiness Support Programme, is designed to strengthen institutional coordination, human resource capacity, regulatory preparedness and the policy and investment frameworks necessary to advance Ghana’s nuclear power ambitions. Acording to the IEA, the programme represents an important contribution to ongoing national efforts to address outstanding nuclear infrastructure requirements and strengthen the country’s preparedness for critical decisions concerning the development of its first nuclear power plant.

Ghana is currently implementing Phase Two of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Milestones Approach, a structured framework that guides countries developing nuclear power programmes through the institutional, technical, regulatory and financial preparations required for the safe, secure and sustainable introduction of nuclear electricity generation. Having completed Phase One, the IEA said Ghana is working towards fulfilling the requirements of the second milestone, which concerns national readiness to invite bids or negotiate a contract for its first nuclear power plant. “Although Ghana has made considerable progress in establishing the foundations for its nuclear energy programme, the transition towards implementation requires sustained attention to institutional effectiveness, technical preparedness, financing arrangements, regulatory capacity and coordination among the organisations responsible for delivering the programme”, it stated. The IEA said…