The Deputy Director in charge of Alternative and Nuclear Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Dr Robert Mawuko Sogbadji, has confirmed that Russia is in discussions with Ghana about the possible deployment of three floating power units (FPUs) of 100MW each to help strengthen the country’s power supply in the short term.
He explained that floating nuclear plants are increasingly attractive because of their flexibility, mobility, and scalability.
Speaking to GhanaWeb Business at the just-ended World Atomic Week in Moscow, Dr Sogbadji emphasised that the idea of generating power from a vessel is not new to Ghana, citing the country’s experience with the Karpowership project.
Russia, Ghana to explore floating nuclear power deal
“We are already producing power from a floating vessel in the form of Karpowership, so this concept is not new to us. With our Nuclear Regulatory Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency in place, coupled with guidance from the International Atomic Energy Agency and Russia’s Rosatom regulator, the process will be well-governed,” he stated.
Short-term solution ahead of large-scale nuclear power
According to him, FPUs could help bridge potential electricity shortfalls while Ghana advances plans for a large-scale, land-based nuclear power plant capable of generating over 1,000MW.
He emphasised that floating power units are easier to deploy in the short term, providing a stop-gap solution for the country’s growing power needs.
On financing, Dr Sogbadji stressed the importance of structuring a model that balances affordability with industrial demand.
“Because this is nuclear, it cannot be entirely private-sector driven. Government must participate, even if only by 10–15%, but in a way that keeps costs low for both domestic and industrial consumers,” he explained.
He added that Ghana is not seeking outright ownership of the floating units, as this could push costs higher. Instead, the government is considering a public-private partnership (PPP) model, focusing on independent power production under strict regulatory oversight.
Grid capacity not a constraint
Addressing concerns about whether Ghana’s grid can absorb nuclear-generated electricity, Dr Sogbadji dismissed fears of transmission challenges.
“GRIDCo’s transmission losses are within internationally accepted limits. Integrating a 100MW baseload from each floating power unit will not be a problem. Even Karpowership delivers 400MW, so handling FPUs will not present difficulties,” he assured.
He further praised nuclear power for its efficiency, reliability, and ability to provide consistent baseload electricity to support Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.
SP/MA
Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:
