Prospect of Nuclear Power Today as Part of Ghana Energy Mix and Socio-Economic Development

Abstract

Energy is absolutely essential for the economic development and improvement of the quality of life in every human settlement. Considering her economic aspirations and population growth, Ghana's energy demand, particularly that for electricity, is sure to rise in coming years. Currently Ghana's total installed electricity generation capacity stands at 1810MW, with her population estimated to be 24.4 million, based on the 2010 census. The country is confronted with a challenge of meeting her energy needs in a cost effective and environmentally friendly manner so as to attain the middle income status. This policy document presents the nuclear power as a most versatile, convenient and competitive source of electrical energy that should be planned for the present and will be worth introducing into Ghana's energy mix for sustainable development of the country. Nuclear Power Plants can serve as a competitive source of electrical energy for enhancing Ghana's energy security and her socio-economic development to attain middle income as purported by political policies. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]