U.S unveils Africa’s first NuScale SMR control room simulator in Accra

In a historic step toward advancing nuclear energy capabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa, the United States has launched the first NuScale Power Energy Exploration (E2) Center on the continent. This cutting-edge facility, situated at the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences in Accra, marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s nuclear energy agenda. The E2 Center aims to equip the next generation of African nuclear professionals with the skills needed to operate small modular reactors (SMRs), a safer and more flexible form of nuclear energy technology.

The official opening ceremony was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, who was joined by a host of dignitaries, including Rev. Dr. Patrick Nomo, Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, and officials from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) – Acting Director of Nuclear Power Institute Dr. Archibold Buah-Kwofie at GAEC, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana Dr. Stephen Amoah, Ms Carrie Fosaaen, VP Regulatory Affairs of NuScale Power, Mr. David Cleave, Executive Director of International Science and Technology Center, Prof. Richmond Fianko, Dean of Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences.The event also saw the participation of key figures from Ghana’s academic, energy, and governmental sectors.

The E2 Center utilizes a state-of-the-art simulator, built to replicate the control room of a NuScale 12-module small modular reactor, to provide hands-on training for Ghanaian and African nuclear experts. This simulator will offer vital experience for operating advanced nuclear systems safely and efficiently, helping to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting the growing nuclear energy sector.

Building a future of nuclear energy in Africa

The establishment of the E2 Center is part of the broader U.S.-Ghana collaboration under the Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program. Launched in 2022, the FIRST program is a comprehensive capacity-building initiative that provides training, workshops, and webinars designed to foster the development of nuclear energy expertise in Ghana. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation is leading the effort, with partnerships from NuScale Power and the International Science and Technology Center.

Ann Ganzer, Senior Bureau Official at the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, first announced the concept for the E2 Center at the FIRST Africa Regional Conference in Accra in 2023. The center is envisioned as a key hub for SMR-related education and research, and its opening marks a significant leap forward in the United States’ ongoing support for Ghana’s nuclear energy ambitions.

The U.S. government’s commitment to this partnership is outlined in a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which formalized the strategic cooperation between the two nations on civil nuclear energy. The goal is to help Ghana enhance its energy security, advance its nuclear energy capabilities, and support the broader African continent in the responsible and peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, Director-General of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Strengthening Ghana’s nuclear workforce

For Ghana, the E2 Center represents a vital step in achieving its long-term goal of incorporating nuclear power into its energy mix. Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare spells out the importance of the new facility in advancing the country’s nuclear agenda. He noted that Ghana is the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to host such a simulator, which will provide critical training for nuclear power operators and non-licensed personnel.

“This simulator is essential for capacity building, workforce development, and preparing our professionals to operate nuclear power plants safely,” Prof. Dampare said. “We are investing in the future of our energy sector and ensuring that our workforce is ready for the challenges ahead.”

Prof. Dampare emphasized that Ghana is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to host this stimulator, which will significantly support workforce training for the nuclear power project. He emphasized that the initiative is part of Ghana’s efforts to build capacity and develop a skilled workforce, ensuring that when the time comes to operate the power plants, the necessary expertise will already be in place. Additionally, the stimulator will be used to train non-licensed operators in the control room.

Prof. Dampare expressed confidence that “In the whole of sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana is first to have this stimulator here. This will help us train our workforce for the nuclear power project. This implies that we’re preparing ourselves for capacity building, workforce development and all, so that when it’s time to operate the power plants, we already have the skills to do that. We’ll also use the stimulator to train non-licensed operators within the control room”.

Professor Emeritus Akaho expressed optimism that the opening of the first NuScale Power Exploration Center (E2) in Accra will facilitate exchange programmes between institutions.

Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, extended his best wishes to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and U.S Government,  thanking them for their efforts, and expressed hope that the new government under President John Mahama will give due attention to the nuclear power agenda.

Dr. Nii Allotey, Director-General of the Nuclear Power Authority, assured that the ” first NuScale Power Exploration Center (E2) would be utilized effectively for its intended purpose”.

Shaukat Abdulrazak, Director of the Division of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed confidence in the initiative, stating, “Let’s work together to ensure the effective use of Small Modular Reactors.”

Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare Director-General of GAEC (left) and Prof. Yassin Hassan of CASMR (Right) during the signing of MOU in Accra-Ghana

During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and the Center for Advanced Small Modular and Microreactors (CASMR) at Texas A&M University. Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare represented GAEC, while Prof. Yassin Hassan represented CASMR.

The launch of the E2 Center also heralds a new era of educational collaboration. As part of the FIRST program, Ghana has entered into academic partnerships with institutions such as Texas A&M University, which will provide expertise and resources to help develop curricula focused on SMR technology. This collaboration will also facilitate student and faculty exchanges, further enhancing Ghana’s nuclear education and research landscape.

A vision for Africa’s energy future

The inauguration of the E2 Center is part of a broader effort to position Ghana and the African continent as leaders in the global nuclear energy sector. At the launch, Prof. B.J.B. Nyarko, former Director General of GAEC and current Board Chairman of Nuclear Power Ghana, recalled earlier efforts dating back to the 1950s to integrate nuclear energy into Ghana’s development plans. He expressed gratitude for U.S. support in realizing the vision that began with Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

“This initiative is a critical step toward ensuring that our country and our region can harness the full potential of nuclear energy to meet the growing demand for clean, reliable power,” Prof. Nyarko said.

The launch event also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, presided over by U.S. Ambassador Palmer and Rev. Dr. Patrick Nomo, as well as a demonstration of the simulator by Ryan Flamand, Manager of Plant Services at NuScale Power. This hands-on experience provided attendees with a firsthand look at the innovative training tools that will help shape the future of nuclear power in Ghana and beyond.

The path ahead

The E2 Center is poised to become a hub for nuclear training, not only for Ghana but for other nations in Sub-Saharan Africa seeking to expand their energy options through nuclear power. The establishment of the center underscores the U.S. commitment to promoting the responsible use of advanced nuclear technology and fostering energy security across the globe.

As the global community continues to seek sustainable solutions to the energy challenges of the 21st century, Ghana’s efforts—supported by the United States—could serve as a model for other nations in Africa and beyond. The collaboration between the two countries exemplifies the power of international partnerships in shaping a brighter, more energy-secure future for all.