Egypt wants to cooperate with International Atomic Energy Agency on nuclear security: president

CAIRO – 16 December 2021: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi told Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi Thursday that Egypt looks forward to benefiting from the entity's experience on nuclear security as the country is close to introducing Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.

That was during their meeting attended by Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry, and Chief of Egyptian Intelligence Abbas Kamel.

The president pointed out to Egypt's orientation toward benefiting from the peaceful uses of atomic energy in development through the nuclear power plant it will build in Dabaa. The president added that the country is eager to strengthen existing cooperation with the agency in that context in order to benefit from its experience in implementing the highest international nuclear security standards.

The president "lauded Grossi's efforts in activating the salient role of the agency in the framework of the use of science and nuclear technology, and in supporting endeavors aimed at promoting international peace and security," the presidency's press statement indicates. On that front, the Egyptian president noted that the IAEA has a great mission to reinforce stability and peace in the region.

In turn, the IAEA's director-general commended Egypt's central contributions - on the regional and international scales - in the field of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, asserting the agency's support the Dabaa nuclear project. Grossi highlighted that the plant will enhance the outcome of Egypt's developmental works, and make it a leading country in that field in the region. He added that he hopes that the project will be an epitome of fruitful cooperation between the agency and Egypt.

Both parties also discussed Egypt's goal to benefit from the agency's 'Rays of Hope' initiative aimed at treating cancer patients in Africa. That is by selecting an experienced Egyptian medical institution to provide technical support to the initiative in Africa.  

They also tackled Egypt's hosting of COP27 where the merits of reliance on clean energy in reducing carbon emissions will be showcased.  

Chairman of Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA) Amgad al-Wakil told Egypt Today in May that he expects the Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA) to issue the permit to build Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in July 2022.

The NPPA applied on the permit on March 10, 2019, and currently, is remedying the shortcomings detected by the ENRRA. It is noted that Wakil had said in earlier statements that the permit would be issued by mid-2021.

Once the permit is out, the concrete base of the first reactor will be built. At present, contractors are leveling the land, and constructing administrative and associate buildings.

The Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant – to be executed in partnership with Rosatom - consists of four third-generation VVER reactors. Each has a capacity of 1,200 megawatts.

Such reactors can stand a collision by a plane whose weight is 400 tons and speed is 150 meters per second. They also encompass many filters that inhibit nuclear leaks.