By Clement Akoloh
Accra, May 2026 — Ghana’s push to introduce nuclear energy into its power mix is gaining momentum, with new analysis suggesting that Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) may offer a more practical and immediate solution compared to traditional large-scale nuclear plants.
The assessment, presented by the Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, Dr. Stephen Yamoah at a Virtual Media Workshop, highlights the growing energy demands driven by rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion, and increasing electricity consumption.
Rising Demand, Persistent Energy Challenges
Ghana’s energy sector currently relies mainly on thermal power, with hydropower and a smaller renewable energy sector also contributing to electricity generation. However, the system continues to face reliability challenges.
Hydropower generation depends heavily on rainfall and water levels in dams, meaning electricity output can reduce during periods of low rainfall or drought.
At the same time, thermal power plants rely largely on imported fuel such as gas and oil, making electricity production vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel prices. This dependence on imported fuel also places pressure on Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves, as the country needs foreign currency to pay for fuel imports, especially when the cedi weakens against major international currencies.
His presentation noted that these constraints have created a widening supply-demand gap, making the case for a stable and reliable baseload power source such as nuclear energy.
Large Reactors: Proven but Costly
Large Nuclear Reactors (LNRs), which generate between 700 and over 1,600 megawatts per unit, remain the backbone of nuclear power globally. They offer long-term cost efficiency, high output, and stable electricity pricing over decades.
However, the Executive Director’s presentation underscored significant barriers to their deployment in Ghana. Chief among them is the high upfront cost, estimated between $6 billion and $10 billion per plant, alongside long construction periods of up to a decade.
Additionally, Ghana’s current grid capacity presents a technical limitation. A single large reactor could exceed the recommended threshold of 10 percent of total grid capacity, raising concerns about system stability in the event of an unexpected shutdown.
SMRs: A Flexible Alternative
In contrast, Small Modular Reactors—typically producing up to 300 megawatts per unit—are emerging as a more practical solution for countries with developing energy systems like Ghana.
The presentation points to several advantages of SMRs, including lower initial capital requirements, shorter construction timelines of three to five years, and the ability to deploy units incrementally as demand grows.
Their smaller size also makes them more compatible with Ghana’s existing grid infrastructure, reducing the risk of system instability. Beyond electricity generation, SMRs could support industrial processes, desalination, and even green hydrogen production.
Balancing Opportunity and Risk
Despite their promise, SMRs are not without challenges. The technology is still relatively new, with limited global deployment, and may require Ghana to adapt its regulatory framework to accommodate their licensing and operation.
Cost per unit of electricity could also be higher compared to large reactors, although proponents argue that lower upfront investment and phased deployment reduce overall financial risk.
Strategic Path Forward
The analysis suggests a phased approach for Ghana’s nuclear ambitions. In the short to medium term, SMRs could provide a quicker and more manageable entry into nuclear power, addressing immediate energy needs while minimising financial and technical risks.
Large reactors, on the other hand, may become viable in the long term as Ghana strengthens its grid infrastructure, regulatory capacity, and financing mechanisms. It must however be noted that these factors also apply to the long term sustainability of SMRs.
Conclusion
As Ghana explores nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy strategy, the choice between large reactors and SMRs will be pivotal. While both technologies offer significant benefits, current evidence, to me, points to SMRs as the more suitable option for the country’s present conditions.
With energy security, economic stability, and industrial growth at stake, the decisions made in the coming years could shape Ghana’s power sector for decades to come.
Source: africanewsradio.com
