Ghana has acquired a nuclear power plant simulator to train personnel and strengthen safety preparedness ahead of its planned nuclear power programme.

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The simulation centre at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) would enable personnel to practise operating a nuclear power plant and test procedures in a controlled environment before an actual plant is built.

Mr George Kofi Appiah, Manager, Localisation and Stakeholder Support Centre, Nuclear Power Institute, GAEC, said the simulator would help Ghana develop the skills needed to operate nuclear facilities safely.

He made the remarks during a study tour for media professionals organised by Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) to improve understanding of the country’s nuclear power programme.

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Mr Appiah said Ghana joined the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology programme in 2020/2021, through which it acquired the simulator to support human-capacity development.

“It is the only one in Africa and it is one of a few in the world. This simulator is actually serving the sub-region,” he said.

Mr Appiah said the centre had already been used to train Ghanaian personnel and participants from other African countries, including Nigeria and Kenya.

He explained that the simulator was not a nuclear reactor but a computer-based system that reproduced the controls and operations of a nuclear power plant.

“When you are trained with the simulator and you go onto the live plant, you don’t see any difference,” he said.

Mr Appiah said the centre would help Ghana meet international safety standards and develop the safety culture needed before establishing nuclear power plants.

📰 Source: Joy Online Ghana