Determination of Suitable Sites for Nuclear Power Plants in Ghana:-The Issues Involved

Authors

  • Isaac Ennison Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Thomas Akiti University of Ghana
  • Paulina Amponsah Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Shilo Osae Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
  • Joseph Gbadago Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.62.4.2655

Keywords:

Nuclear power plant, Nuclear energy, Earthquake, Hydrology, Geology, Seismicity

Abstract

To ensure availability of the adequate and reliable supply of electricity, Ghana is taking necessary steps towards the implementation of a nuclear power program in the country. Among the steps being taken is the determination of suitable sites for the operation of nuclear power plant. This paper outlines major factors which influence the site selection, i.e. geology, hydrology, seismicity, etc. proposed by the IAEA and some countries and relates them to the situation in Ghana. In this regard, the major issues that have come up in the site selection in Ghana are discussed. These include preference of coastal areas to the inland fresh water areas due to concerns about the site location in fresh water bodies and elimination of the areas with fault lines and relatively high level seismicity. Putting all factors together, site location has been limited to the areas along the coast at the west of the Akwapim fault. This area, which lies between 0o 23’ west and 3o06’ west, is being assessed to obtain a candidate site. On-going activities to identify candidate sites are presented and measures to deal with challenges associated with site selection are also discussed.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.62.4.2655

Author Biographies

Isaac Ennison, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

National Nuclear Research Institute

Senior Research Scientist

Thomas Akiti, University of Ghana

Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences

Senior Lecturer

Paulina Amponsah, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

National Nuclear Research Institute

Senior Research Scientist

Shilo Osae, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

National Nuclear Research Institute

Principal Research Scientist

Joseph Gbadago, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

National Nuclear Research Institute

Senior Research Scientist

Published

2012-12-14

Issue

Section

Articles