Ghanaian nuclear physicist argues for development of nuclear energy

Sep 26, 2006, 0:40 GMT

Accra, Ghana - As Ghana battles with an electricity shortage, one of the nation's prominent nuclear physicists on Monday called for the development of nuclear energy as a reliable and cheap energy alternative.

Edmund Osae, former deputy director general of Ghana's Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) in Accra, said the west African nation should overcome its fear of building nuclear energy in order to save itself from its recurring energy crisis.

Ghana relies heavily on hydroelectric power and falling water levels at the Volta River dam have caused a wave of recent blackouts.

Ghanaians have been without power for 36 hours in the past three days as the state-owned power distribution company, Electricity Company of Ghana has rationed power on the advice of the sole- power producer, Volta River Authority.

'Building nuclear power for our electricity generation now is the best thing that could happen to us to free the country from the energy crisis since it does not require a lot of fuel,' he told the Ghana News Agency.

'Besides, the country has the capacity and expertise to develop and efficiently manage nuclear energy, so let's stop trading fear and anxiety that the development of nuclear reactors will cause explosions.'

Osae said nuclear power is being developed at a fast pace worldwide, except where there is direct access to low-cost fossil fuels, because of its competitive cost compared with other forms of electricity generation.

'We are getting late and fear has gripped the nation, but why should that be when about 38 countries in the world have more than 400 nuclear reactors?' he said.

Ghana has ratified the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, but since it deals with nuclear weapons it should not hinder the development of nuclear energy, he said.