TIG Post

Tag: Nuclear Power Plant

  • Vendor for Ghana’s first nuclear power plant to be selected by close of 2024

    Vendor for Ghana’s first nuclear power plant to be selected by close of 2024


    The Ministry of Energy has revealed plans to select a vendor for Ghana’s inaugural nuclear power plant by the close of 2024, aiming for operational status by 2030.

    Dr. Robert Sogbadji, Deputy Director of Power (Nuclear and Alternative Energy), shared this information during a policy dialogue marking World Sustainable Energy Day in Accra.

    The event was organized by the Centre of Excellence in Public Utility Regulation (CEPUR), a collaboration between the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PUCR) and the Ghana Institute for Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

    Dr. Sogbadji outlined that the country is currently in phase two of its nuclear power program, with plans to announce the selected vendor company by year-end.

    The first nuclear power plant is anticipated to become part of Ghana’s energy mix by 2030 or 2032, contributing significantly to achieving net-zero goals and energy transition objectives.

    Addressing the country’s US$561.9 billion financing requirement for energy transition, Dr. Sogbadji mentioned the government’s strategic plan to secure about 46% from the private sector.

    Herbert Krapa, Deputy Minister of Energy, affirmed the progress of Ghana’s energy transition agenda, emphasizing the implementation of a clear strategy to attract investments. He highlighted pipeline projects, including 2,000 megawatts of solar and wind energy, to attract financing from various investors.

    Mr Krapa emphasized efforts to scale up the domestic currency and explore technologies like carbon capture utilization, electronic vehicles, and green hydrogen to align with the transition pathway.

    He indicated the government’s commitment to balancing conventional (hydro), solar, and nuclear power for sustainable electricity.

    Kwame Jantuah, Chairman of the Oil and Gas sector at the Association of Ghana Industries, called for a balanced approach in utilizing conventional, solar, and nuclear power for sustainable electricity.

    He suggested incentivizing residential solar panel adoption to reduce conventional costs, with excess energy contributing to the overall mix for export.

    Jantuah emphasized the importance of leaving vendor selection in the hands of the nuclear energy body to prevent political interference. Ghana envisions implementing both a large reactor (1,000-1,200 megawatts) and a small modular reactor (about 300 megawatts) for its nuclear power plant, aligning with the country’s industrialization goals and sustainable development objectives.

    “We’re currently in phase two of our nuclear power programme, and by the end of this year, we should be able to announce our vendor company to build our first nuclear power plant, which we foresee to be in the energy mix by 2030,” Dr Sogbadji said.

    “So, by 2030 or 2032, we would have advanced strongly towards meeting net zero and meet energy transition goals,” he said.

  • Government backs Sizewell C after reports nuclear power plant could be scrapped

    Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson says claims they are ditching the £20bn project are not accurate and the government hopes to get a deal over the line as soon as possible.

    But the site’s future was cast into doubt overnight after reports claimed it was being reviewed ahead of the chancellor’s autumn statement in just under two weeks – with Treasury sources telling Sky News “all options are on the table” to fill the fiscal black hole in government finances.

    Now, Rishi Sunak’s official spokesperson says the reports are “not accurate” and “our position remains the same”, adding negotiations are “ongoing and constructive”.

    The £20bn Sizewell C project aims to generate enough low-carbon electricity to supply six million homes and help protect the UK from energy market volatility.

    The plant is a joint endeavour with French energy giant EDF and is expected to take a decade to build.

    While it has the backing of the Labour Party and unions, critics say the plans are too expensive and the new power source will take too long to come online.

    Source: Skynews.com

  • The EU is ‘exploring’ ways to increase assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector

    The European Union is looking into ways to help Ukraine’s energy sector, which has been harmed by Russian attacks for weeks.

    During a visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Tuesday, Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson confirmed the move.

    “I am in Kyiv today to help scale up support to the Ukraine energy sector,” she said.

    “I have witnessed the scale of destruction in Ukraine first hand and am making all efforts to increase financial, technical, and practical help.”

    Ms Simson called Russia’s attacks “a cruel and inhumane tactic to cause human suffering as the winter is approaching”.

    The European Union is looking into ways to help Ukraine’s energy sector, which has been harmed by Russian attacks for weeks.

    During a visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Tuesday, Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson confirmed the move.

    The additional help will have to come from EU institutions, member states, international partners, and private donors, she said.

    The commissioner travelled to Kyiv following weeks of Russian attacks that focused on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, in particular power stations.

    Ms Simson plans to meet Ukrainian energy companies to talk about how the EU, international partners, and the private sector can help.

    She will also discuss the situation at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the security of supply, and the future reconstruction of the energy system.

     

  • Ukraine claims Russia is preparing to stage the biggest nuclear power plant

    Ukraine has said Russia is preparing to stage a “provocation” at Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant on Friday.

    The country’s intelligence agency made the claim just hours after Moscow accused Ukraine of trying to stage an “accident” there, which may involve a radiation leak, during the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres’ visit to the war-ravaged nation.


    Located in the southeast of Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia plant was captured by Russia in the early days of the war and in recent weeks has repeatedly come under fire.

    Both sides have pointed the finger at each other for the shelling.

    Russian news agencies have reported shelling over Enerhodar overnight, close to the power plant, which is being blamed on Ukraine.

    There had been suggestions Russia may try to carry out a false flag operation in the area – Russia’s defense ministry earlier claimed Ukraine would stage a “minor accident” and “provocation” – and blame it on them – to coincide with Mr Guterres’ trip.