Ghana, the country with the most advanced plans in Africa to acquire nuclear power, now has active commitments from both the U.S. and China, according to a March 6 release by News Ghana. It reported that China has committed to building a full-sized, 1,000-MW nuclear plant by 2034, while the U.S. is supporting a plan for 12 SMRs, “each generating 77 MW, for a combined output of 924 MW.”
Of the two, the Chinese proposal is probably in a more advanced stage, due to its more favorable financing terms. It is a “build, operate, transfer” plan, meaning that the China National Nuclear Corporation will foot the bill for construction and then recoup it through fees paid from customers upon completion. The U.S. plan—despite the upfront commitment of $579 million—is still subject to private financing for development. The Chinese made their proposal in April 2024, after which the U.S. scurried in, signing their deal four months later.
