Ghana has begun discussions with Rosatom on first nuclear power station – Mahama

Ghana has initiated talks with Rosatom, the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation, to build the nation's inaugural nuclear power station, according to President John Dramani Mahama. The President made the announcement during the Third Russia-Africa Forum in Moscow, emphasizing the pivotal role of dependable electricity in Africa's advancement.

Mahama pointed out that electricity scarcity is a significant impediment to the continent's progress, asserting that industrialization necessitates reliable, cost-effective energy for success. He further stated that Russia possesses a distinct edge in renewable energy and nuclear power, areas where collaboration between Russia and Africa could generate tangible outcomes.

The President recalled that Ghana possessed a historical alliance with Russia in the peaceful application of nuclear energy, noting that Russia had provided Ghana with a two-megawatt nuclear reactor in 1964 for scientific and research purposes. Several Ghanaian nuclear experts were also trained in Russia to operate the reactor. This revelation signifies a substantial stride in Ghana's enduring aspiration to incorporate nuclear power into its energy portfolio, as electricity demand escalates alongside industrialization and population growth.

A nuclear power plant would offer baseload capacity to supplement Ghana's existing hydropower and thermal generation sources. Mahama's statements highlight the broader rationale for enhancing Russia-Africa collaboration in the energy domain, with Moscow acting as a partner in both renewable energy and nuclear technology. The President posited that such cooperation could deliver tangible results for Africa's industrialization journey.