Powering Ghana’s future: Can small modular reactors drive the nation’s industrial growth

Ghana is on the cusp of a significant shift in its energy landscape as it explores the potential of nuclear power. In 2022, the nation reached a milestone by moving to Phase 2 of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Milestones Approach, establishing the groundwork for a safe and sustainable nuclear program. With its rapidly growing economy and industrial expansion, Ghana requires a secure, reliable, and low-carbon source of base load electricity.

This has led to a strategic focus on nuclear energy, with a particular interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as an adaptable alternative to traditional large-scale reactors.

SMRs offer several advantages, including scalable generating capacity, enhanced safety features, and the flexibility to support industrial applications. Among global SMR technologies, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has developed the ACP100 (Linglong One), which is the world's first land-based commercial small modular reactor to pass international safety reviews.

The ACP100, a third-generation reactor, boasts an approximate 125 megawatts of electricity output, a 60-year operational life, and a planned refueling interval of roughly two years. Its compact design integrates key primary cooling components within a single steel pressure vessel, eliminating the need for extensive external piping and eliminating the requirement for active electrical power or operator intervention in case of emergencies.

The ACP100's unique features, such as passive safety systems and its ability to provide both electricity and high-temperature industrial steam, make it an attractive option for Ghana's energy needs. These characteristics are particularly valuable for Ghana's industrial growth, as they enable the reactor to supply dedicated steam directly to energy-intensive industries like bauxite refining, gold processing, metal smelting, and petrochemicals.

This cogeneration capability allows local manufacturers to access a stable energy foundation, shielding them from global fossil fuel volatility and carbon tariffs.

The strategic significance of the ACP100 extends beyond electricity generation. Its clean energy output can also support localized seawater desalination, providing supplementary water requirements for coastal industrial hubs. By acting as an integrated engine for socio-economic development, the SMR technology can serve regional industrial and municipal ecosystems alongside traditional power generation.

As Ghana continues to advance its institutional readiness under the IAEA Milestones Approach, China's ACP100 project serves as a practical reference. The reactor's design validation, safety review history, and multi-purpose deployment model offer valuable insights into how small modular reactors can deliver safe, versatile, and sustainable power to support Ghana's industrial ambitions.