Sunyani: Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, has announced that the nation is making significant progress in integrating nuclear power to support the government's flagship 24-hour Plus and the 'Big Push' infrastructure initiatives. The country has established the necessary regulatory, technical, and human resource foundations to incorporate nuclear energy into the national power systems. This effort is being carried out through the Nuclear Power Programme Implementation Organization (NPPI), which aligns with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s milestones.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Jinapor emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing grid reliability to provide a stable baseload to support industrialization and economic transformation. These remarks were delivered on his behalf by Mr Seth a Mahu, the Director of Renewable Energy and Green Transition at the Ministry of Energy, during a forum and exhibition organized by the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani. The event, themed 'Promoting Internationalization, Visibility, and Impact through Diversity and Inclusion,' was part of the university's International Day celebration and aimed to foster inclusion and deepen international partnerships.
Mr Jinapor elaborated that the nation has integrated 200 megawatts of solar energy into the national grid, accounting for four percent of the nation's installed capacity from renewable sources, excluding hydropower, which remains a major renewable contributor. He stated that international cooperation for sustainable development must focus on expanding both access and equity, with the goal not only to green the energy system but also to ensure universal access.
Efforts are being made to intensify last-mile electrification, particularly in rural and off-grid communities, with the country's electrification rate now exceeding 89 percent. Through the deployment of mini-grids, solar home systems, and strategic public-private partnerships, the nation is committed to achieving full electrification coverage by 2030.
Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, the Vice-Chancellor of UENR, highlighted the institution's role in preparing the next generation of experts to lead the country's transition to a low-carbon economy through education and innovation. UENR has signed 70 Memoranda of Understanding with partners in 37 African and 13 European countries, including Germany, North America, Asia, and Australia, which serve as active instruments driving change.
Prof Asare-Bediako noted that collaborations with German and Chinese institutions have shaped UENR's sustainability agenda and enhanced its technological capabilities, while partnerships in North America have expanded its research in energy and environmental sciences. He expressed optimism about the future, positioning UENR as a global institution serving not only Ghana but Africa and the world. The university remains committed to eradicating energy poverty, promoting sustainable resource management, and environmental integrity, while equipping students with skills for the green economy.