Nuclear energy strategic for Africa’s industrialisation – NRA

African nations have been advised to consider nuclear energy as a strategic choice for addressing increasing electricity demand and propelling industrialization, according to Professor Francis Kwame Otoo, Director-General of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA). At an event organized under the auspices of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), Prof. Otoo highlighted that nuclear energy could offer reliable, economical and sustainable power, while also promoting economic diversification and enhancing living standards.

He underscored that Africa is at a turning point as countries grapple with the need for dependable energy while simultaneously striving to fulfill their climate commitments.

The professor emphasized that nuclear energy presents itself as a clean, dependable and scalable energy source to meet these demands. He noted that Ghana's nuclear energy program is not merely a pipe dream as the nation has been systematically building the necessary infrastructure, human resources and institutional frameworks to introduce nuclear power responsibly, guided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Milestones Approach.

Simultaneously, Ghana is fortifying its regulatory framework to underpin a credible nuclear energy program.

Prof. Otoo cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach to nuclear energy, given the varying energy needs, electricity grids and financial capacities among African countries. He advocated for a flexible strategy encompassing diverse options, from large nuclear reactors to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), contingent upon the specific circumstances of each nation.

Prof. Otoo stressed the significance of robust and autonomous regulatory bodies, asserting that effective regulation, proper legal frameworks, and stringent safety and security measures are vital in cultivating investor confidence, public trust, and international collaboration.

He also stressed that the success of Africa's nuclear energy aspirations would hinge significantly on investments in human resources, including education, training, and knowledge management. Prof. Otoo called for ongoing investment in nuclear education, training and knowledge sharing, as well as enhanced collaboration among African countries. He reiterated that no African nation can forge its nuclear energy future alone and emphasized the importance of regional unity in developing the continent's nuclear energy sector.

The Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), established under the Nuclear Regulatory Authority Act, 2015 (Act 895), remains dedicated to supporting Ghana's nuclear energy trajectory while contributing to AFCONE's broader continental agenda. Prof. Otoo affirmed that the Authority would continue collaborating with the IAEA, the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA), and other African regulatory entities.

He concluded by stressing that Africa’s nuclear energy development hinges on collective efforts rather than the actions of any single country, and he urged for stronger cooperation, the exchange of expertise, and sustained investment in people and institutions to facilitate Africa’s safe and secure nuclear energy future.