Local press reports, quoting an environment ministry official, did not name any companies, but said the vendors are from the US, Russia, Canada and South Korea.
The official said Ghana is aiming to build and operate commercial nuclear power plants in an effort to ensure affordable energy for industrial development and to help it meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement.
The energy ministry said the country had exhausted its hydro base source of energy, hence the need to explore other clean options such as nuclear power.
Ghana has completed a pre-feasibility study for new nuclear, assessment of infrastructure, financing, technology, safety, security and siting, the ministry said.
The nuclear programme is now in its second phase, which involves engaging with vendors, further site assessment, contracting, recruitment and training of staff and the signing of contract.
He explained that the final phase of the Project would be the commissioning and operationalisation of the nuclear power plant and all the activities necessary to contract, license and construct.
In October 2019, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Ghana had made progress implementing recommendations of a 2017 IAEA integrated nuclear infrastructure review (INIR) mission. That review had provided 12 recommendations and eight suggestions to assist Ghana in making further progress in its infrastructure development.
The 2019 follow-up noted that Ghana has completed the studies needed for the government to be able to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power programme. It had also assessed its national legal framework and made plans to proceed with the necessary amendments. However, it aid further work is needed in areas such as government funding, stakeholder involvement planning, fuel cycle options for the first nuclear power plant and goals for local participation.
