Analysts laud Ghana’s commitment to nuclear energy policy:
Lassina Berbo, Executive Secretary of “The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO)” applauds Ghana for its efforts in adopting nuclear energy within the next decade to supplement its energy supply needs. Speaking at a regional meeting of Nuclear power authorities in Accra he was optimistic that Ghana will meet its target and the country’s success story will be replicated across the African continent. Mr. Berbo stated “I think that the Commission (Ghana Atomic Energy Commission) will make sure that they follow what the government is expecting to do because you have a vision that didn’t start today. When I listen to the President and how pan-Africanism is important for him and for Ghana, I think that Ghana would want to lead this issue in a way by themselves; not only Ghana but the region, and then serve Africa the best way possible.” Earlier this year, the Executive Director for Nuclear Power Ghana, Engineer Theo Nii Okai, said Ghana is on course to meet the generation of power from nuclear sources by 2030. They are expecting to complete the first phase of the implementation plan by the end of 2020.
Ghana: 30 Nuclear Experts in Accra to Discuss Comprehensive Nuclear Treaty Programme:
About 30 nuclear experts from 18 African countries met in Accra to brainstorm on a comprehensive Nuclear Treaty program aimed at advancing the continent’s Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The participants are from countries including Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroun, Togo, South Africa, Niger, Sudan and Egypt deliberating on strategies to achieve progress on the implementation policy of priority commitment, aimed at highlighting opportunities to advance the NPT goals and to advance Africa’s goals geared towards strengthening peaceful uses. According to participants Africa has become the newest hub for energy and nuclear power investments and urged that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to support the continent realized its nuclear potential.
SA could become a regional hub of nuclear expertise & Lesedi keen to retain nuclear skills built up over years in South Africa:
South Africa could become a regional hub of nuclear expertise and training, as several African countries such as Ghana and Kenya have indicated that they are pursuing nuclear power.
South African engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance company Lesedi is keen to use its nuclear expertise and skills in South Africa and other African countries and is also looking to expand its focus to Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. The company is also looking to expand its reach outside of Africa to Saudi Arabia, which has its own nuclear power project aspirations, as well as to Abu Dhabi, where about 150 South Africans with nuclear experience are currently working. According to Shane Pereira, Lesedi business development executive “For new nuclear to come online after 2030, we should start the process as soon as possible, to retain critical nuclear skills and to contribute to energy stability, industrialization and economic growth in South Africa,”
To get more updates on African nuclear market, click here.
