US-Africa Summit: Ghana-U.S sign milestone nuclear cooperation agreement
Ghana took a major step in its pursuit of nuclear energy on Thursday by signing a landmark nuclear cooperation agreement with the U.S.-based Regnum Technology Group. The agreement, unveiled at the second United States-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, is a significant move towards strengthening energy security in Africa, according to Deputy Minister of Energy, Collins Adomako Mensah.
According to sources familiar with the agreement, Regnum Technology Group will secure funding for the construction of a nuclear plant in Ghana and will also commit to purchasing a portion of the electricity generated. Adomako Mensah emphasized the importance of energy security for economic and social development, stating that it is crucial for Africa to have sufficient energy to support its citizens’ welfare.
Ghana has been working on integrating nuclear power into its energy mix since 2005, viewing it as essential for the country’s energy transition. The recent agreement with Regnum Technology Group and the U.S. reaffirms support for Ghana to become a regional training hub and Center of Excellence for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The partnership between Nuclear Power Ghana and Regnum Technology Group for the adoption of NuScale’s small modular reactor technology is seen as a significant achievement in Ghana-U.S. cooperation for the peaceful use of atomic energy. The collaboration is expected to have a positive impact not only on Ghana but also on the broader West African region.
Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins highlighted the transformative potential of SMRs, noting their versatility and potential to revolutionize energy access across the continent. The agreement aims not only to strengthen Ghana’s energy infrastructure but also to establish the country as a supply chain hub, promoting economic development and job creation in the region. Jenkins expressed excitement about the promise these technologies hold for building a more sustainable future.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Stephen Yamoah, the Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, and Saladin Amery, CEO of Regnum Technology Group on behalf of their respective teams, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s nuclear energy ambitions.
