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

Abstract

Energy is essential for economic development and improvement of quality of life in every human settlement. Considering her economic aspirations and population growth, Ghana’s energy demand, particularly that of electricity is sure to rise in coming years. Ghana’s total installed electricity generation capacity currently stands at 1810MW, with a current population is estimated to be 24.4 million based on 2010 population census. The country and for that matter is confronted with the challenge of meeting her energy needs in a cost effective and environmentally friendly manner so as to attain middle income status. This policy document presents nuclear power as the most versatile, convenient and competitive source of electrical energy that should be planned for now 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 socio-economic development for her to attain middle income as purported by political policies.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.60.2.1109