A workshop at Takoradi Technical University (TTU) has positioned advanced nuclear technology as a central pillar in Ghana’s quest for a stable and clean energy future, focusing on developing local expertise to make it a reality.
The event, titled “Integrating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in a Hybrid Energy System for Sustainable Energy Development in Ghana,” drew over 170 in-person attendees, including more than 60 faculty experts and scores of engineering students.
In his opening address, Professor Ebenezer Boakye, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of TTU, stressed the critical need for a diversified energy mix. “To secure our development, we must build a resilient national energy system,” he stated. “This means combining our tremendous renewable energy potential with a dependable, always-available source. Nuclear power offers that foundation of reliability.”
The workshop was led by Mr. Mark Amoah Nyasapoh, manager of the project, which was funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Programme, managed by the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC). Presenting findings from a Ghana-focused case study, Nyasapoh outlined a compelling case, stating, “Our modelling, using specialised tools like HOMER and the IAEA’s MESSAGE framework, shows that anchoring our grid with SMRs, paired with renewables, can stabilise electricity prices, slash emissions, and reliably power both heavy industry and remote communities that will help drive sustainable economic growth and development.”
Mark Amoah Nyasapoh, who is also an Energy Economist and Planner at the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and a PhD candidate at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani, emphasised that the research is geared towards practical, national solutions.
“This is not just a theoretical exercise but a viable pathway forward. It represents our route to ending the recurring cycle of power crises and establishing genuine, long-term energy security. By guaranteeing a stable and continuous power supply, we can sustain major national infrastructure projects, fuel industrial expansion, and enable businesses and critical services to operate reliably around the clock. This foundational stability has the direct potential to stimulate broad economic growth, generate significant employment, and attract substantial domestic and foreign investment,” he added.
Mark Amoah Nyasapoh making a presentation on his research
A keynote address by Professor Hossam A. Gabber of Ontario Tech University, Canada, tackled the crucial issues of public safety and confidence. “Modern SMR designs prioritiseinherent safety and are engineered with multiple, independent protection layers, a principle called defence-in-depth,” Prof. Gabber said. “The technology exists to deploy nuclear power that is not only clean and cost-competitive but fundamentally safe for communities.”
A robust panel discussion and audience questions highlighted a growing national engagement with the topic. The consensus was that SMRs, due to their smaller size and modular nature, are a practical fit for various Ghanaian contexts, from industrial zones to coastal areas.
A panel discussion moderated by Mr. Mark Nyasapoh
Dr. Archibold Buah-Kwofie, Director of the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and the National Focal Point for Ghana’s Clean Energy Initiative, the framework overseeing the project, delivered the closing remarks, reaffirming institutional commitment. “GAEC is fully dedicated to collaborating in the efforts at training, research, and strategic partnerships. Building local capacity is non-negotiable for Ghana’s energy transformation,” he stated.
The focus on human capacity was echoed in a meeting with TTU’s Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Professor John Frank Eshun, who committed the university to developing the skilled workforce, engineers, operators, and safety analysts required for such a strategic national project.
A significant potential outcome of the workshop is a proposed collaboration between TTU, GAEC, and Ontario Tech University to establish an SMR simulator and hybrid-energy data centre at TTU. This facility would serve as a critical training and planning hub, advancing Ghana’s technical readiness.
Some Project members and TTU Faculty members
The workshop underscores Ghana’s proactive steps to address the country’s energy challenges, characterised by rising demand and supply volatility, with innovative, long-term solutions toward a secure, clean, and economically empowering energy future.
