Integrated Assessment of Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems: A Pathway to Sustainable and Resilient Industrial Electrification in Ghana

Authors

  • M. A. Nyasapoh University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR)
  • S. Gyamfi University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR)
  • S. K. Debrah University of Ghana
  • H. A. Gabber Ontario Tech University, Canada
  • N. S. Agyemang-Derkyi University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR)
  • R. Djimasbe University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR)
  • Y. F. Nassar Wadi Alshatti University, Brack, Libya
  • H. J. El-Khozondar Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
  • J. Gbinu Nuclear Power Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26437/ajar.v11i2.969

Keywords:

Clean energy. climate change. energy access. mitigation. sustainable

Abstract

Purpose: Achieving sustainable and cost-effective industrial electrification in Africa necessitates an integrated energy approach that optimally combines Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and renewables, mainly solar and wind energy, as two clean energy sources.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Using HOMER Pro software, system performance was simulated to assess energy generation, economic viability, and environmental benefits. The analysis examined annual energy output, levelised cost of energy (LCOE), and carbon emission reductions to determine system sustainability.

Findings: Due to the integrated energy system, a net energy surplus of 206,079,408 kWh is achieved, enabling grid exports and the potential production of green hydrogen if effectively harnessed. Economic assessments indicate an LCOE of $0.185/kWh, 34% lower than Ghana’s industrial 2024 grid tariff. Additionally, CO2 emissions are reduced by 15,824,965 kg annually, supporting Ghana’s National Energy Transition Agenda.

Research Limitation: Further research is needed to optimise hybrid energy systems, particularly in waste management, policy frameworks, and national grid stability.

Practical Implication: SMRs and renewables can enhance energy reliability and affordability, ensure sustainable industrial development, and drastically lower energy sector emissions.

Social Implications: Integrating nuclear and renewable energy as a hybrid system can reduce energy poverty, drive industrial growth, support sustainable development, and lower environmental impact.

Originality/Value: This study underscores the potential of nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems to enhance energy security, reduce emissions, and stabilise industrial electricity supply.

Author Biographies

M. A. Nyasapoh, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR)

Mark Amoah Nyasapoh is a PhD candidate at the Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, School of Energy, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), and Regional Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (UENR), P. O. Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana. He is also a Researcher with Nuclear Power Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P. O. Box LG 80, Legon, Accra, Ghana

S. Gyamfi, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR)

Prof. Samuel Gyamfi is a Professor at the Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, School of Energy, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) and Regional Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, (UENR), P. O. Box 214. Sunyani, Ghana

S. K. Debrah, University of Ghana

Prof. Seth Kofi Debrah is a Professor at the School of Nuclear and Allied Science, University of Ghana – Legon. He is also a Professor at the Nuclear Power Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P. O. Box LG 80, Legon, Accra, Ghana

H. A. Gabber, Ontario Tech University, Canada

Prof. Hossam A. Gabbar is a Professor at the Smart Energy Systems Lab (SESL), and Advanced Plasma Engineering Lab (APEL) Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, and Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Ontario Tech University, Canada

N. S. Agyemang-Derkyi, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR)

Prof. Nana Sarfo Agyemang Derkyi is a Professor at the  Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, School of Energy, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), P. O. Box 214. Sunyani, Ghana

R. Djimasbe, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR)

Romeo Djimasbe is a PhD candidate with Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, School of Energy, University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), P. O. Box 214. Sunyani, Ghana

Y. F. Nassar, Wadi Alshatti University, Brack, Libya

Prof. Yasser Fathi Nassar is a Professor at the Wadi Alshatti University, Brack, Libya

H. J. El-Khozondar, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine

Prof. Hala J. El-Khozondar is a Professor at the  Department of  Electrical Engineering and Smart Systems, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine

J. Gbinu, Nuclear Power Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC)

Joshua Gbinu is a  Research Scientist Nuclear Power Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), P. O. Box LG 80, Legon, Accra, Ghana

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Published

2025-03-31

How to Cite

Nyasapoh, M. A., Gyamfi, S., Debrah, S. K., Gabber, H. A. ., Agyemang-Derkyi, N. S., Djimasbe, R., Nassar, Y. F., El-Khozondar, H. J., & Gbinu, J. (2025). Integrated Assessment of Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems: A Pathway to Sustainable and Resilient Industrial Electrification in Ghana. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH, 11(2), 22–46. https://doi.org/10.26437/ajar.v11i2.969

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Vol. 11 No. 2 (2025): African Journal of Applied Research

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