Mr Jonathan Amoako-Baah, former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), has asserted that renewable energy, including solar power, is not a viable option to propel Ghana’s industrialization agenda. Instead, he advocates for investment in large-scale base load options such as nuclear power plants to provide reliable and affordable electricity for massive industrialization.
Speaking during a courtesy call by staff members and management of Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) at his residence in Koforidua, Mr Amoako-Baah emphasized the need for conventional plants as base load to ensure a consistent power supply for industries. He highlighted the limitations of renewables, citing the intermittent nature of solar and wind power, especially during nighttime and certain seasons.
Mr Amoako-Baah underscored the significance of nuclear power as a viable long-term solution for Ghana’s industrialization plan, particularly in the wake of the depletion of hydro resources. He called for the active continuation of Ghana’s Nuclear Power Programme to achieve the goal of establishing the country’s first nuclear power plant by 2030.
The deployment of nuclear power aligns with Ghana’s medium-term development plans, climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, and green energy targets. Dr Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of NPG, affirmed that discussions with vendors for Ghana’s nuclear power plant would continue, with the aim of making firm decisions on technology, financing arrangements, and project structure this year.
Overall, Mr Amoako-Baah’s advocacy for nuclear power reflects a strategic approach to meet Ghana’s growing energy demands sustainably and to support its industrialization aspirations.
