Ghana’s Nuclear Power Option and Associated Safeguards Technique

Abstract

The adequate supply of electricity is a pre-requisite for industrialization, sustainable development and a key policy agenda for national development. Economic consumption of electricity production would have to be augmented to satisfy Ghana’s high level of economic growth and social well-being in the future. In 2008, cabinet decision was taken to proceed with the nuclear power plant construction roadmap. As part of the preparations being made towards the implementation of the nuclear power project, interim assessment on the choice of reactor has been made based on, economics and technological aspects of safety. A light water reactor (LWR), preferably the pressurized water reactor (PWR) with capacity up to 1500 maximum, has been proposed to commence commercial operation by 2020. Ghana’s option for nuclear power in addition to the research reactor would expand the nuclear fuel cycle and give room for several nuclear material accounting procedures. Core conversion activities are underway to replace the highly enriched uranium (HEU) U235 with LEU of approximately, 13% enrichment. The general objective of this paper is to perform an assessment on available safeguards approaches and methods used to verify inventory and flow of nuclear material in accessible areas of Ghana’s new nuclear fuel cycle, with focus on the safeguards measures to be prepared by facility operator to successfully support nuclear material verification. The elements of facility design relevant to safeguards in consultation with the regulatory body, supplier/designer and the international atomic energy agency (IAEA) have also been addressed. Indications of material balance areas, key measurement points as well as safeguards strategies relevant to the IAEA are outlined. The assessment and suggestions discussed are anticipated to support safeguards measures that may be applied to Ghana’s first nuclear power plant’s construction and operation.  

Keywords: Safeguards measures, safeguards approach, nuclear power 

Cite this Article Rita Appiah E, Gbadago JK. Ghana’s Nuclear Power Option and Associated Safeguards Technique. Journal of Nuclear Engineering and Technology. 2016; 6(2): 1–5p.