GAEC, US DOE sign SOI to set up Regional Clean Energy Training Center in Ghana

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and the United States Department of Energy (US DOE) have joined forces to establish a Regional Clean Energy Training Center in Ghana. This groundbreaking partnership signifies a major milestone in the quest for sustainable energy solutions in Africa.

The statement of intent (SOI) was signed during a ceremony attended by government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from both organizations. The collaboration between GAEC and US DOE aims to leverage the expertise and resources of both institutions to address the growing demand for clean energy solutions in the region.

The Regional Clean Energy Training Center will serve as a hub for training and capacity building in various aspects of clean energy technologies, including nuclear and others. The center will provide hands-on training, workshops, and seminars for students, professionals, and policymakers who are interested in advancing clean energy initiatives in Ghana and across Africa.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the statement of intent concerning cooperation on the establishment of Regional Clean Energy Training Center in Accra-Ghana between Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and the Department of Energy United States of America, Director General of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission Prof. Samuel Dampare expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with US DOE and the establishment of the training center. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable energy goals and highlighted the potential impact of the center on the region’s energy sector.

Prof. Dampare noted that “You know, GAEC and US Department of Energy have been collaborating on so many issues relating to our nuclear power programme. One of the things we want to do is to establish a Regional Clean Energy Training Center and that include workforce development for the nuclear power programme and so this ceremony is very dear to us. With this, we’ll be able to do so many things together to help the nuclear power programme in the country. We’re looking at other countries within the Africa region and how we will be able to support them. We expect some form of equipment for training and capacity building is not meant for only workforce”.

The US DOE also expressed its commitment to supporting clean energy development in Ghana through the partnership with GAEC. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources, both institutions hope to foster innovation and accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies in the region.

Contributing to the discussion, Deputy Assistant Secretary of International Cooperation Office of Nuclear Energy at US Department of Energy told African Editors that “The MOU signing ceremony is a long time commitment because we have already been partnering with Ghana to foster development, human capacity building, regulatory cooperation, capacity building and a host of areas. The signing today is to concretizing our partnership which we had the opportunity to highlight at the first-ever US-African Energy Summit where Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo, African and US officials were present. Ghana is the only country in Africa which has been clear and consistent about its desire to support regionally and continent-wide”.

United States Department of Energy works to advance nuclear power as a reliable and sustainable energy source to address the nation’s energy, environmental, and security concerns. This is achieved through research, development, and demonstration, targeting the resolution of technical and regulatory challenges. The US Department of Energy (DOE) manages the United States’ nuclear infrastructure and administers the country’s energy policy. The Department of Energy also funds scientific research in the field.

The Regional Clean Energy Training Center is expected to play a key role in building a skilled workforce and fostering a culture of sustainability in Ghana and beyond. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement clean energy solutions, the center has the potential to drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and mitigate the environmental impacts of traditional energy sources.

Director General of Nuclear Power Authority Dr. Nii Kwashie Allotey told African Editors that “The focus is to see how Ghana can be placed to be a regional center for Africa where we look at the inter-play of clean energy. We look forward for the technology being developed and we at NRA will see to how the Regional Clean Energy Training Center is regulated”.

Government of Ghana through Energy Ministry, Ghana Nuclear Power Organisation (GNPPO), Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) -1st nuclear plant owner, and Nuclear Regulatory (NRA), Technical and Scientific Support Organisations (TSOs) have played a crucial role in Ghana’s nuclear infrastructure development.

As Africa continues to face energy challenges, initiatives like the Regional Clean Energy Training Center are crucial for building a sustainable and resilient energy future. The partnership between GAEC and US DOE sets a positive example of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing global energy issues. It is a testament to the power of partnerships in driving positive change and creating a better future for generations to come.

Background

The announcement of this initiative took place during the Clean Energy Ministerial in 2023, which is a global forum that promotes policies and programs to advance clean energy technology and facilitate the transition to a clean energy economy. The forum consists of 29 advanced countries and leading organizations, representing a significant portion of global clean energy systems and investments. Ghana, among 21 participating countries, plays a crucial role in the mission to accelerate the clean energy transition.

One notable initiative under the Clean Energy Ministerial is the Nuclear Innovation Clean Energy (NICE) Future, which includes a working group called Leaders in Advanced Nuclear Energy (LANE). LANE aims to explore beneficial approaches and harness the capabilities of advanced and emerging nuclear nations like Ghana. Specifically, Ghana has been requested to lead the economic modeling and financing track within LANE due to its commitment to integrating clean energy systems, particularly in nuclear infrastructure development.

Ghana’s efforts in nuclear power have been recognized internationally since formal inclusion in the national energy policy in 2012. The Ghana Nuclear Power Programme Organization (GNPPO) was established to coordinate the nuclear program, with the Nuclear Power Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission leading the technical arm. Following the completion of Phase 1 activities in 2019, Ghana informed the IAEA and the international community of its intention to continue the nuclear program in July 2022.

Key ministries and agencies, including MESTI, Energy, EPA, Foreign Affairs, Energy Commission, VRA, BPA, and GGSA, have played a crucial role in Ghana’s nuclear infrastructure development. The leadership of individuals like Dr. Nii Kwashie Allotey, Dr. Stephen Yamoah, and Prof. Seth Kofi Debrah has been instrumental in Phase 1 activities.

In recognition of Ghana’s efforts in transitioning to cleaner energy systems and demonstrated technical capacities, the country was invited to lead the economic modeling and financing track under the Ghana Regional Clean Energy Training Centre. This initiative, between the US Department of Energy and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, focuses on various areas including vocational training, workforce capacity building, energy infrastructure development, nuclear reactor design, cybersecurity, and public education. The overview of the clean energy training center focused on highlighting the key activities to be undertaken.

Source: Jerry John Akornor/African Editors