Ghana has inked a deal to build its first nuclear power plant, albeit a mini version.

According to Engineering News, Nuclear Power Ghana has contracted US-based Regnum Technology Group to build a NuScale VOYGR-12 small modular reactor (SMR).

Regnum is the only company in the US licensed to build SMRs, which are smaller than traditional reactors and can be built in a factory.

Other contenders for the project, expected to span 10 years, included France’s EDF, the China National Nuclear Corporation, South Korea’s Kepco and Russia’s ROSATOM.

Nuclear Power Ghana was established in 2018 to become the eventual owner-operator of the country’s first nuclear power station. The country launched its first reactor project in 1963, but it was thwarted by global geopolitical developments. Its bid in 1973 to acquire a research reactor was halted by political upheaval in the country.

3 September 2024
Image:NuScale