KEY POINTS
- Rosatom pledges timely completion of Dabaa Nuclear Plant.
- Egypt’s $26B nuclear plant to feature four reactors.
- Dry casks approved for 100-year fuel storage.
Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) has confirmed its commitment to adhering to the timeline for constructing Egypt’s Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.
Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev gave this assurance during a meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli on Tuesday. Likhachev conveyed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s keen interest in the project’s timely completion.
According to Egypttoday, the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, located in Egypt’s Matrouh governorate, is set to be the nation’s first nuclear power facility. With an estimated cost of $26 billion, the plant will feature four reactors, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts. Once operational, the facility is projected to generate $264 billion in net revenues over its 60-year lifespan.
Progress and safety milestones
In June, Egypt’s Nuclear Plants Authority submitted a request to the Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA) to secure a permit for constructing dry casks. These casks, designed to store spent nuclear fuel for up to 100 years, represent a critical safety component. Made from steel and sealed either through welding or bolting, the casks will house highly radioactive waste after a cooling period of one to ten years in a spent-fuel pool.
The ENRRA has allocated land for these casks, signaling significant progress in the project. Construction of the plant is nearing completion, and the installation of Russian-supplied equipment will follow promptly after delivery.
Strategic importance of the Dabaa project
The Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is a cornerstone of Egypt’s strategy to diversify its energy sources and enhance its energy security. The project, a collaboration between Russia and Egypt formalized through a 2015 agreement, underscores the deepening partnership between the two nations. In January, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi witnessed the concrete pouring for the plant’s fourth reactor, marking a major milestone.
The plant’s advanced design and operational standards align with international safety protocols, reinforcing its potential to serve as a model for nuclear energy projects in the region.
Rosatom’s commitment to delivery
Rosatom’s reaffirmation of its adherence to the timeline reflects its resolve to meet the expectations set forth in the agreement. Despite global challenges, the corporation continues to prioritize the timely delivery of high-quality components and construction expertise to support the project.
As Egypt inches closer to operationalizing the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, the facility is poised to play a transformative role in meeting the country’s growing energy demands, driving economic growth, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
