U.S. launches Africa’s first NuScale SMR training center in Accra

On January 16, 2025, the launch of the NuScale Energy Exploration Center (E2) marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s energy future and its expanding partnership with the United States. Located at the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences in Accra, the ceremony was not just a celebration of infrastructure but a moment of unity, innovation, and ambition for both nations as they join forces to reshape the energy landscape in Africa.

Ambassador Virginia Palmer, in her remarks, underscored the importance of the project as a testament to the growing collaboration between the U.S. and Ghana. Funded through the U.S. Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, the center aims to build capacity and foster innovation in nuclear energy, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This state-of-the-art facility is not just an infrastructure achievement; it is a symbol of our commitment to energy security, sustainability, and the future of nuclear energy in Africa,” said Palmer. “Reliable energy access is fundamental to progress, and nuclear energy stands out as a transformative force for economic development, offering efficiency and reliability that other clean technologies sometimes cannot match.”

The E2 Center is designed to provide essential training for Ghanaian engineers and technicians, equipping them with the necessary skills to operate advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs, which build on over 65 years of U.S. innovation in nuclear energy, are seen as a scalable, flexible, and safer alternative to traditional nuclear power plants. These advanced technologies can be used for various applications, such as power generation, desalination, and industrial heat production.

In her speech, Ambassador Palmer highlighted the commitment of the United States to high standards in safety, security, and nonproliferation. “The nuclear cooperation between Ghana and the United States reflects our shared commitment to global nonproliferation,” she stated, pointing out that U.S. nuclear technologies adhere to the highest safety protocols.

As part of the broader FIRST program, Ghana has been a partner since 2022, benefiting from U.S. expertise in nuclear energy. The collaboration involves over 40 countries across five continents, supported by nations like Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. These partnerships offer technical expertise from a range of institutions, including the U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, National Laboratories, and more.

One of the key features of the E2 Center is its role in workforce development. The facility will serve as a training hub for the entire sub-Saharan region, with programs that include nuclear welding certification and university partnerships, such as the one with Texas A&M University. This collaboration will lead to the development of SMR-related curricula and encourage student and faculty exchanges, enriching Ghana’s educational and research capabilities in nuclear energy.

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

Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare, Director-General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), spoke to the importance of the project in developing Ghana’s nuclear workforce. “Ghana is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to host this simulator, which will be crucial for training nuclear power operators and non-licensed personnel. This initiative represents a vital step in our country’s energy future, ensuring that we have a well-trained workforce when the time comes to operate nuclear power plants,” he said.

The opening of the E2 Center is also seen as an essential step toward achieving Ghana’s long-term goal of incorporating nuclear power into its energy mix. Professor Dampare expressed confidence that the new facility would prepare the country’s workforce for future nuclear power projects and strengthen Ghana’s position as a leader in Africa’s nuclear energy ambitions.

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

The event also saw a momentous agreement with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GAEC and the Center for Advanced Small Modular and Microreactors (CASMR) at Texas A&M University. This partnership will enable the sharing of knowledge and expertise in SMR technologies and advance Ghana’s nuclear education.

Dr. Nii Allotey, Director-General of the Nuclear Power Authority, assured the audience that the new simulator would be utilized effectively, setting the stage for a prosperous future in nuclear energy.

Shaukat Abdulrazak, Director of the Division of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also expressed optimism for the project, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in ensuring the safe and effective deployment of Small Modular Reactors.

The launch of the NuScale Energy Exploration Center represents more than just a new facility in Accra. It signifies the beginning of an era of collaboration, innovation, and progress in nuclear energy development for Ghana and the wider African continent. Through initiatives like FIRST, Ghana is not only building its energy future but also contributing to a global movement towards clean, sustainable, and safe energy solutions.

As the ceremony came to a close, the room buzzed with anticipation for the future. The continued collaboration between the U.S. and Ghana promises to lead to greater achievements, making the dream of energy security and sustainability a reality for generations to come. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was not just the start of a new chapter for Ghana’s nuclear energy sector—it was a reflection of the powerful bond between nations working towards a brighter, more sustainable world.