The IAEA has endorsed Ghana’s site selection for its first nuclear power plant after an eight-day safety review. The review, conducted by the SEED team, confirmed adherence to safety standards. The next phase involves site characterisation, following the identification of a candidate site and an alternative site. Ongoing technical assistance from the IAEA will support Ghana in advancing this project.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has affirmed the safety of Ghana’s site selection for its first nuclear power plant (NPP) after an eight-day review conducted by its Site & External Events Design Review Service (SEED) team. This mission, initiated at the request of the Ghanaian government and hosted by Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), assessed the adherence of the site selection process to IAEA standards. Ghana has successfully identified both a candidate site and an alternative site for the NPP, moving forward to the site characterisation stage.
The SEED team consisted of experts from Pakistan, Türkiye, the UK, and the US, along with an IAEA staff member. They evaluated the site selection report, siting criteria, data collection methods, and management systems related to siting activities. The team also visited the identified candidate site in the Western Region and the alternative site in the Central Region, gathering insights that will assist in the site evaluation process. In parallel, the IAEA hosted a Capacity Building Workshop to enhance future evaluations by facilitating expert discussions.
Kazuyuki Nagasawa, the mission team leader and Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA, stated, “We confirmed that both the implementing organisation and the management system are well-designed with the support of the government and that the Site Approval Report has been systematically and thoroughly prepared.” The team advised on improvements to optimize the site selection process to reduce the risk of unsuitability during the characterisation phase, taking into account various environmental factors.
Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of NPG, expressed gratitude for the technical assistance provided by the IAEA SEED mission, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international best practices for the safe and secure development of nuclear infrastructure. He noted, “This mission is of great importance to our nuclear power programme, as it ensures that our decisions are guided by international best practices for safe and secure development of nuclear power infrastructure.”
NPG will continue to collaborate with the IAEA for ongoing technical support and will adhere to the IAEA Specific Safety Guide during the site approval process. A final report outlining the SEED mission’s findings will be submitted to the Government of Ghana in the next three months.
In conclusion, the IAEA’s approval of Ghana’s site selection for its nuclear power plant marks a significant milestone in the country’s energy development. The successful review process highlights Ghana’s commitment to safety and regulatory standards, while ongoing collaboration with the IAEA promises technical support for future stages. This initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation in establishing a sustainable and secure nuclear energy infrastructure.
Original Source: www.neimagazine.com
