Ghana has signed a commercial deal with the United States for a small modular reactor project using NuScale Power technology.

According to a statement issued Thursday by the U.S. Department of State, the deal was between Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) and U.S. developer Regnum Technology Group.

The NPG-Regnum agreement was signed at the U.S.-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in Nairobi by Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins.

The statement noted that the agreement “represents a pivotal advancement in collaboration between U.S. and Ghanaian civil nuclear industries and is testament to the commitment by both nations to advancing clean and sustainable energy solutions.”

It mentioned that the project would help Ghana enhance its energy infrastructure and lead the way on SMR deployments in the region, thereby achieving its energy goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The agreement was built on existing U.S.-Ghana civil nuclear cooperation, including under the U.S. Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Program that is helping the country establish itself as an SMR Regional Hub and centre of excellence. 

“In addition to technical training, advisory services, and study tours, the FIRST Program is providing a NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center SMR control room simulator to serve as a regional training centre for nuclear power technicians and operators and is establishing a welding certification program to support jobs and supply chain development for the region,” it stated.