ASEC calls for balanced 2,000MW nuclear and renewable energy roadmap

The Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) has called on the government to develop an integrated energy diversification roadmap that balances the nation's nuclear ambitions with strategic investments in renewable energy. The centre specifically recommended that the proposed 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant be harmonized with ongoing and future solar, wind, and hydropower projects. While acknowledging that nuclear power can significantly enhance Ghana's energy security, ASEC cautioned that this high-capacity project must not be allowed to overshadow the potential and growth of the renewable energy sector.

ASEC emphasized that the successful transition to nuclear energy requires more than just physical infrastructure; it demands a fundamental shift in national operational standards. The centre urged the government to prioritize improvements in Ghana's maintenance culture and establish robust, independent nuclear regulation before commencing any nuclear operations. There is also a strong call for the active involvement of local institutions in the nuclear initiative to ensure that the project benefits from indigenous expertise and contributes to long-term national capacity building.

Beyond operational readiness, the centre stressed the necessity of financial and procedural transparency throughout the project's lifecycle. ASEC called for a comprehensive assessment of the long-term costs associated with the nuclear project, including the complex requirements of decommissioning and waste management. By maintaining transparency in financing and procurement processes, the government can ensure that the nuclear program remains economically viable and does not become an undue burden on the national economy as the country pursues its sustainable energy goals.