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

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 0 o 23’ west and 3 o 06’ 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