Ghana Seeks to Resume Nuclear Energy Cooperation with Russia, Plans to Discuss Floating Nuclear Power Plant Project

On September 8, Ghana's Ambassador to Russia, Koma·Steem·Jehu-Appiah, stated that Ghana intends to resume cooperation with Russia in the field of nuclear energy, with discussions including offshore floating nuclear power plant projects.

Jehu-Appiah said that energy is an important foundation for economic and social operation, and Ghana has been continuously facing energy supply problems in recent years. Relevant Ghanaian ministers had previously visited Russia, and the two sides discussed energy cooperation matters including floating nuclear power plants. Ghana is currently awaiting a response from the Russian side.

He also mentioned that Ghana still retains Soviet-era helicopters but faces a shortage of spare parts. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defence will hold separate talks with the Russian side to discuss related maintenance and support matters.

In February this year, Jehu-Appiah had stated that Ghana intended to purchase a floating nuclear power plant from Russia. In August, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey·Lavrov, during a joint press conference with Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel·Okudzeto·Ablakwa, stated that Russia is willing to assist Ghana in developing industry, energy, and geological exploration, and supports both sides in advancing specific cooperation projects.

A Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) is a mobile energy facility deployed on an offshore platform, typically equipped with low-power nuclear reactors, which can provide electricity and thermal energy to remote areas, areas with inconvenient transportation, coastal areas, and island nations. For countries with limited energy infrastructure, high demand for stable electricity, and currently lacking the conditions to build fixed nuclear power plants, floating nuclear power plants are regarded as an optional energy solution.